Photos courtesy of Susan Horne
Susan Horne Antiques was born out of friendship and a love for antiques.
Raised in southern Georgia, her love for antiques and southern hospitality was inherited from her parents. Her father, from Alabama, was an air traffic controller with the Air Force. Her mother, from Manchester, England, loved antiques and anything to do with England, like entertaining and enjoying a cup of hot tea.
Susan moved to Dallas and then to Houston with Omni Offices. She met her husband, Houston native Chip Horne, 28 years ago. They have two children, Meghan and Trey.
“My girlfriends started bringing me to Round Top after I married Chip, and I fell in love with Round Top and shopping the fields.”
Susan says her business has been successful because of the help and support of all her family and friends.
Her son, Trey, is a senior at LSU in Baton Rouge, La., and is Susan's biggest encourager and cheerleader. He calls in at least once a week to ask about the business and how it’s going. When he is home on school breaks, she puts him to work at the Houston warehouse. On longer breaks, you can find him in Round Top working for Susan or sharing dinner with Armando at Manditos.
Her daughter Meghan joined her a few years ago and has been a wonderful addition to the business. “Meghan has given a youthful eye to our purchases. She knows what the younger generation wants and that is very helpful to me. I see the younger generation out here shopping and having a great time,” Susan says. Susan shares that she hopes that continues because they are the next generation to make the Round Top Show strong and successful.
Photo by Natalie Lacy Lange
“Meghan and I continue to travel to England several times a year to assemble an exceptional collection of antiques and one-of-a kind treasures.” They drive the countryside in hunt for these treasures. She says the days are long, and it’s hard work, but they have fun along the way. “I love England and the people we meet make us feel like family,” Susan says.
Her next container will be arriving for the Spring Show at Market Hill. Susan's gorgeous showroom at Market Hill is where she brings new life to these treasures. She mixes them with unique new pieces and creates a fresh, new modern look for which she is known.
"I really enjoy being at Market Hill. Paul Michael has created a wonderful venue with state-of-the-art amenities.” But more than the amenities, she talks more about the people.
“We have a top line of dealers and that draws a fabulous group of buyers. The relationships we build with all these people and the business we generate at Market Hill makes it worthwhile. The friendship and support means a great deal to me.”
One of the pieces they’ve curated for the spring show is an 18th century ship’s figurehead from Sicily. “It was made as a good luck charm for the ship. She is beautiful. You have to see her in person!”
When Susan is not in Round Top or England, you can find her at her Houston warehouse located at 9016 Ruland, #A3. Susan says come by for a cup of tea, "I always have the kettle on."
Susan’s Favorite Finds
Arriving for Spring Show at Market Hill
18th century Carved Figure
Ship’s figurehead from Sicily, circa 1780. From the Bourbon empire when the French occupied Sicily. Stands approximately four feet high. Made as a good luck charm for the ship. She is very beautiful, curvaceous and wearing armor, ready for battle.
Transferware Copeland Spode Green and White
40 pieces of pottery service from England, circa 1860.
Willy Guhl
A fabulous pair of square planters by the Swiss designer Willy Guhl. A grand selection of other Willy Guhl, including the diabolo, elephant ear and handkerchief planters.
Antique Butter Slabs
Antique English ironstone pure dairy display slab. These were used by grocers for selling bulk butter and margarine. Highly sought after rare collectibles in original condition – a must have!
Chesterfield Sofa
English chesterfield tufted sofa with elegant lines. A classic piece. Extra large and comfy.
Pottery Footbath
Florentine opaque blue and white pottery footbath, circa 1850, a great decorative piece.
Bamboo
A nice collection, including a rare red lacquer bamboo étagère from France, circa 1870.
Ebonized Furniture
Ebonized desk with beautiful brass hardware. Ebonizing is process for darkening wood, giving it the appearance of ebony.
100-year-old Bottles
Rare wine bottles from Italy, circa 1800, a great backdrop to any bar.
Draper’s Table
From France, circa 1885. Used by seamstresses in the 19th century.