Toys in the Attic. Home Furnishings and Décor Too

When you walk into The Attic, Montville’s newest antique store, you may be struck by the home furnishings and décor that reminds you of your grandmother’s house. You may a see sea glass green candy dish, a milk glass flower vase or a entire depression era dinner set in light pink.  

“Our goal is to recycle a lot of nice, vintage items,” said co-owner Art Bonneau.  

Bonneau runs the store, located at 260 Norwich New London Turnpike (within walking distance of the Montville Town Hall) with his publicity-shy partner who only wants to use her first name, which is Liz. The Montville residents opened the small antique, collectibles and nostalgia store in November.  

The inventory comes from estate sales, yard sales and auctions and according to Bonneau, “everything has a story” (which he’s very happy to share with you) and jewelry is the most coveted item in the store right now.  

“It’s all costume jewelry but girls going to prom can find some very nice things to doll up with,” he said.  

There were lots of necklace and earring sets of varying colors. There plenty of individual pieces and lots of accent pieces offered for less than $3.  

“We do go once people walk in the door,” said Bonneau. “My prices are way better than Walmart.”  

Bonneau said his prices are very good and people could put together an entire dining room set of crystal out of his inventory.  

“It’s good for young couples just getting started,” he said. “And for people looking for something specific.”  

In fact, Bonneau said he changed out his dog’s ceramic water bowl for a crystal one and “the dog drinks three times as much.”  

Aside from the home furnishings, the doll collection is something else. Bonneau said he has antique 100-year old dolls and collectibles from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.  

It all started when he happened upon an estate sale in Westerly. The executors offered the entire haul for free if they’d just take it away.  

“She was a bit of a hoarder,” he said as he described knee high piles of dolls in a 3000 square foot home.  “It was kind of creepy walking into that if you can imagine all those eyes looking at you.”  

The trip was well worth it, however. They were able to uncover some highly valued dolls, which he sells online to collectors. He sold a doll for $1,200 once and couple sold for $1,000. He said has sold a doll to someone on every continent.  

“I know more about dolls than any man should,” he laughed.  He claims to have 900 Barbie dolls in storage along with about 3,000 other types of dolls.  

The Attic is located at 260 Norwich New London Turnpike and is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m.  to 4 p.m.  Call 860-848-6966 for more information.