Driving down PCH last weekend, I couldn't help but notice this strange sign on a small building with the word GROT on it. So I stopped and took a look. Inside, I found the most charming vintage furniture store, despite the unusual name. Owner Gavin Hampson explained, "I was inspired to name the store GROT, based off of a fictional store in a BBC television series called "The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin"."

Opened in the fall of 1995, Gavin initially wanted the store to act as a community gallery to showcase art, furniture, and lighting from local artists. Over time, the business has evolved to more of a furniture shop. The central concept of the store is "reinvention." Gavin reclaims and transforms vintage pieces into a functional modern piece, yet always retaining the quality and craftsmanship of the past.

We especially loved the 1960's sideboards and Danish planters. Gavin hopes to be getting more later this summer.

Grot also offers repair and refinishing services. Grot is open Mon-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm.

-Jonathan