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Ready to refurnish? Want a new look? Searching for that special piece? Visit House 2House on the Almancil-Loulé road in Areeiro, and you will be spoilt for choice

Some 15 years ago, with a successful business here specialising in outdoor living, Roger and Judith Lewis saw a niche in the market for pre-loved furnishings and accessories, having met property owners keen to change their style, and newcomers with a shopping list where quality looks and sensible prices were top priorities.

They talked with contacts, investigated needs, tastes and wants, analysed opportunities and weighed up the potential for what was to become the first business of its type on the Algarve. They advertised their new venture, appropriately called House2House, in English-language papers, rented a warehouse and van and within a matter of weeks had bought in sufficient stock to get their

new business off the ground, with rental management companies as their initial target audience.

Word spread fast – as it does when a concept is innovative and those behind it already have a reputation for business expertise – and Roger and Judith were approached by both local residents keen to sell and others who were interested in buying.

To meet all tastes Today, the warehouse spills over with an eclectic mix of trend-setting and traditional pieces, stylish suites for every room, colours that range from bold and bright to soft and subtle, contemporary sofas and sleek dining sets and a wealth of accessories for every setting.

Stock changes weekly – sometimes daily – and often the

entire contents of an elegant designer-decorated villa that may have only been used for a few months of the year – finds its way into the showroom.

Choice items get snapped up instantly so regular visits are a must for customers with an eye for quality design at an attractive price point.

Roger and Judith’s clientele is broad-based and includes the furnishing professionals – interior designers looking for specific statement pieces – as well as people furnishing a property for their own use or for rental, and still others who may be planning to ship goods back to their home country. Fifteen years’ experience in the field means that the bosses and their multi-lingual team can assess sales appeal and values fast. And pristine condition is a vital ingredient. The average sale is under ¤500 but recently a beautiful dining suite was sold by House2House for over ¤5,000. According to Louise who manages the business: “At one time, a family would buy furniture once or twice in a lifetime. The buying decision was difficult, time-consuming and stressful, too because, after all, this was major expenditure and the resulting purchases were lived with for years. Today you can change your colour scheme, add highlights of detail, and go from classic to cool or vice versa on a whim.”

House2House Areeiro, EN521, 8100-225 Loué T: 289 395 197 / 916 539 081 E: info@house2house.pt W: house2house.pt

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