TINY TREASURES IN BLACKHEATH’S OLD TYTHE BARN

Up by the railway station in the Blue Mountains village of Blackheath is the sweetest, most delightfully idiosyncratic gift and hobby shop imaginable…. the Old Tythe Barn. If that name conjures an image of a vast agricultural building (it did for me), then you are in for a shock. This place is as tiny as the miniature treasures it holds. It has been trading since the 1970s, under the guardianship of the delightful Frances. The reason for the ‘barn’ label is a mystery. It was actually auction rooms in the old days, for a stock and station agent.

In the photo below the flock of sheep is directly in front of the building.

Long after the bidding on livestock ceased a new world was created beyond the front door, where the only sheep on show are VERY tiny.

Yes, inside is an Aladdin’s cave of treasures; antiques, toys, dolls’ houses and furniture, and miniatures of everything imaginable.

A second room holds even more treasure. What little girl wouldn’t love one of those grand dolls’ houses? Of course it is often adult hobbyists who buy them and I can understand why. There is something so appealing about miniatures.

This is just one of the treasures I have carried home.

I have purchased quite a few other little things over the years, but I put them in my garden and the bowerbirds steal them. My amateurish bonsai has had to have a few replacement residents, and a sweet little arched bridge vanished recently.

Located at 266 Great Western Highway, The Old Tythe Barn is only open at weekends – phone 4787 7284. Hours are currently as follows;

SATURDAY – 12.00PM – 5.00PM

SUNDAY – 12.00PM -5.00PM

You can contact Frances by phone after hours and she will try to open the shop by arrangement – 4787 8620

FOR MORE ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES IN BLACKHEATH, VISIT THE VICTORY THEATRE IN GOVETT’S LEAP ROAD..