Peridot Marketplace Brings the Whole World to Grayton Beach
By Chris Manson April 24, 2003 Issue

Hamilton Harper, managing partner of the Peridot Marketplace in Grayton Corners, compares his neck of the woods to the Old West. “People are not only buying these beautiful homes, but they’re starting to live here year round,” he said. And these new settlers won’t have to mosey too far to give their new homes those special touches.

The elegant store offers decorative art from all over the world, most of which is unique. “I always have to explain to people what things are, because they’ve never seen them before,” Harper said. Walk through the front door and you’ll notice an antique chest from 1920s China, as well as the oldest piece in the shop—a hand-carved mahogany wall panel from Tibet, circa 1700s.

The store displays and sells the work of local artists, including hand-painted goose eggs and crosses and tables made from seashells. “We are very thrilled to have exclusive representation of John Akers,” Harper said. Akers was recently named artist of the year by Louisiana’s chapter of Ducks Unlimited.

Harper pointed to some Russian iconographic art eggs containing religious scenes and noted that such artwork nearly vanished when the Communists controlled the Soviet Union. “Fortunately, enough of the older artists were left to teach the young ones,” he said.

The nesting dolls—the ones that fit inside each other and contain up to 15 pieces—also come from Russia. Each is hand-signed and made of poplar wood. One set depicts Nicolas and Alexandra and their children.

“One of our true treasures is the stained glass piece by Boston artist Robert Silva. What makes it special is that more than a third of the glass is salvaged Tiffany glass from old buildings around Boston and more than 100 years old,” Harper said. This colorful piece portrays a peacock and a white heron.

Farther along inside the market are some bronze statues from China, ships in bottles from England and a meticulously carved Tibetan temple. “One of my favorite pieces is an antique wine cabinet from the early 1900s with a secret door,” he said. Harper demonstrated by pushing a latch on the side that caused the door to revolve, much like those bookcases in old mystery movies.

Potential customers will also find an entire section of the shop devoted to home décor pieces, with real plants that have been specially preserved. “The reason they look so real is they are real,” He said the oil lamps with silk flowers inside are a popular item.

Another area of the establishment features the designer furniture of Alison from Panama City. Alison specializes in hand-painted chairs, benches and tables. They are made of cypress wood, but also contain stainless steel to keep them free of rot and rust when kept outdoors.

An additional supply of European imports is on display in the back of the store. Items for sale include candy-scented candles, porcelain figurines and original oil paintings.

“A lot of the paintings look like masterworks, because the artists will go to the Louvre and copy what they’ve seen there. I’m amazed at the prices on these things,” Harper said.

“I haven’t seen these anywhere else,” Harper said of the hand-blown glass lamps from Central America. The colorful light fixtures resemble tulips and would literally brighten up any room.

Coco’s is part of the Peridot family. Managed by Betty Brown, the back corner boutique offers designer items—some exclusive to the area—and beaded bags of impeccable workmanship. Crystal watches made by Wanda Webb are also high in demand. “We have the beachy things and the dressy things,” Brown said.

Along with Harper, the other managing partner of Peridot Marketplace is Dan Accordo. The senior partners and owners of the Grayton Corners complex, Terry and Melissa Ooten, have their own section of the store devoted to the “Hemingway safari look—zebra skin, safari pillows and the popular sea grass rugs,” Harper said.

The music in the store is also of note. Peridot offers a mix of Sarah Brightman, opera and light jazz that has prompted more than one customer to inquire about purchasing CDs. “That’s the only thing here that we don’t sell,” Harper said. “The music enhances the atmosphere for an enjoyable shopping experience. We even have it piped into the breezeway.”

Peridot Marketplace is one of the largest stores on the so-called “Gold Coast,” with more than 4000 square feet. The building was completed in late December 2002, and Peridot opened its doors the following month. So far, the Peridot Marketplace has been an incontestable success for Harper and his staff.

“We’ve had clients come from Palm Beach, the Hamptons, even people who frequent Royal Street in New Orleans. They tell us this is one of the most beautiful stores they’ve ever seen. We’re thrilled,” Harper said.

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