By Tara Marie Berry

Niwot is a special, special place.

Ten miles south of Longmont on U.S. 287, nestled in trees and farmlands, a historic dwelling is Niwot, Colo. A Mecca for shopping and history, Niwot is a special, special place. Bike the countryside, eat a gourmet lunch, then shop for your heart's delight. With roughly 55 businesses on three blocks, a higher-end antique shop features a vast selection of classic treasures.

Astro, a stocky, bright-eyed Dalmatian, and Eleanor Roosevelt, a huggable, white pup, greet all who visit Niwot Antiques. "These are our bosses, we just kinda' run the place," Bob and Dianne smile at their best friends, who have become fixtures at the shop. "People stop by regularly just to see them!"

With a combined 30 years experience in estate auctions as well as dealing antiques, Bob and Dianne just recently expanded their business. Last year the original owners of Niwot Antiques announced plans of retirement. Elysian Fields, located right down the street, was ready for expansion, so in the fall of 2000, Bob and Dianne married the higher end shops. In efforts to keep all its previous dealers, they kept the historically recognized name, along with much of the original charm, while gradually melding their own personalities\.</p>
<p>Dianne and Bob have always been passionate about art. During the recent past, they have marveled Thomas Hill paintings...and are learning to appreciate more fine art than they used to. They are also getting more into lighting. From classy "ol' Tyme" lamps, to elegant ballroom chandeliers, Bob and Dianne are brightening up Niwot, and spreading their personality, while holding onto the originally classic charm of the shop.</p>
<p>Originally an architectural engineer, Bob is into simple straight lines. He is most passionate about clocks: matte, sterling, silver plate, "I like how they work, they tick." He also marvels furniture design from days of old, and how a simple refinishing can make a piece splendid again, even after all these years.</p>
<p>Dianne, having spent many years as an interior designer, is sure she has found the perfect combination. "There has always been a great sense of history in interior design. Who are you? Where have you been? This is how things and places are designed." Of course, Dianne is not afraid to admit that her initial entry into the world of antiques was much simpler, "You can never have enough junk. I love stuff. And things. Silly junk. Expensive stuff. Crazy things. I have always loved it all!"</p>
<p>Forty dealers contribute to Niwot Antiques. Generally dedicated to higher-end collectibles, "there are no Beanie Babies here," Dianne and Bob are very particular about antiques. Complete sets of elegant, freshly polished silverware live in their original mahogany and velvet cases. A functional typewriter dates back to the mid 1800s; while a woven rug, solid cherry armoire, coat rack and dining set, invite guests to visit a main room of a home, from a time they never knew.</p>
<p>One dealer boasts years past of vintage jewelry, while another specializes in jewels from only the Victorian era. Each participant adds his or her own bit of character to the shop. Collections of books, Colorado post cards from the 1940s-50s, classic children's games, and distinctive gifts and collectibles make Niwot Antiques a great place to dig up that ol' special treasure.</p>
<p>Bob, Dianne, Astro and Eleanor Roosevelt value their repeat guests, out of town visitors, and dealers alike. Niwot's destination antique charm caters to people from all walks of life, all over the country. Niwot Antiques sees 10-12 people from outside Colorado each week...as well as several regulars from all over the state, looking for that favorite something. How can they resist, with the never-ending flow of new-found treasures that come in daily? No two days are quite the same.</p>
<p>FYI</p>
<p>Niwot Antiques features a number of dealers from out of Colorado, and other far-off towns within the state. Bob and Dianne have some cases available for only $100 per month with a 10 percent commission. They also take consignments, and continue to do estate auctions through the store, still under the name Elysian Fields.</p>
<p>Bob and Dianne are also always looking—always ready to buy that perfect collectible: from furniture to jewels. Call anytime for more details. Or, stop by to visit the whole gang Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find them online: www.antiques-colorado.com/niwot.</p>

© 2002 Mountain States Collector