A variety of items offered at the Isabella Sparrow boutique on Germantown Avenue.

by Kevin Dicciani

Isabella Sparrow, a farmhouse-inspired boutique, opened Sept. 4 at 8511 Germantown Ave. in Chestnut Hill.

“The store is a combination of antique, vintage farmhouse décor,” said owner Hillary O'Carroll. “It's about a peaceful space that isn't intrusive. It's very much about simple living, a calm ascetic, and being devoted towards a farm-life that we can incorporate into modern homes in a way to bring character and nostalgia into the house.”

O'Carroll, a Chestnut Hill resident, started Isabella Sparrow as a booth at The Milkhouse in Glenmoore and at the Clover Market in Ardmore. She then expanded it into a store on Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr before relocating to Chestnut Hill.

O'Carroll said the move to Chestnut Hill came naturally, as her son attends the Waldorf School. She also said she was instantly intrigued by Chestnut Hill and its “village life.”

“Chestnut Hill is the place in Pennsylvania where I have felt truly at home,” O'Carroll said. “I received the most beautiful, heartwarming welcome from fellow vendors, and the community has been fabulous as well. I don't know if I have ever found a town so charming and so complete.”

In addition to the shop, O'Carroll hopes to use the back room in the store to host classes that will cover everything from interior styling to painting furniture to hosting farm-to-table dinners.

“There's going to be a lot of fun things going on,” O'Carroll said.

Looking towards the future, O'Carroll said she is excited to be a part of Chestnut Hill, where she plans on getting integrated into the community and becoming involved in its activities and special events.

“We just hope and look forward to really participating in Chestnut Hill,” O'Carroll said. “We're excited to devote ourselves to this really great community.”

For more information, visit isabellasparrow.com.