I had the best time exploring West County Design in Valley Ford, just 10 minutes west of Bodega Bay on Hwy. 1. I met gallery manager and co-owner Sharon Eager, and just loved her. She’s warm, inviting and authentic.
West County Design is housed in a converted historic barn with a weathered wood exterior and beautiful old paned windows. The gallery showcases local artisans and quality furnishings, and serves as a showroom for Bohemian Stoneworks and Craig Collins Furniture.
From their website: “West County Design provides an unexpected center of artistic sophistication in the charming town of Valley Ford in West Sonoma County. Offering nature’s beauty, transformed, fine wood tables, polished concrete vanities counter tops and furniture glass, ceramic, wood, metal, custom and limited edition art and furniture for home & office.” They're celebrating their four-year anniversary on the Fourth of July.
The place was bustling with shoppers while I was there, including several tourists from out of state. Sharon said many of her customers are also regulars who stop by on the way to vacation homes along the coast from Bodega Bay up to Sea Ranch and Gualala.
I had recently seen Craig Collins Furniture and West County Design featured on KPIX-TV’s Eye on the Bay. Craig is Sharon’s husband and co-owner of the gallery. She took me back for a quick peek into his enormous workshop where he builds custom furniture in the rear of the building.
From their website: “Craig Collins Furniture has specialized in designing and building custom furniture for clients in San Francisco, Marin and Sonoma counties for over 18 years. Craig Collins’ award-winning designs are characterized by clean lines, beautiful woods and, above all, attention to detail.”
The third partner in West County Design is Patrick Miller, owner of Bohemian Stoneworks. This concrete counter and sink is one example of his work. From their website: “Bohemian Stoneworks produces cast concrete of exceptional beauty for applications such as kitchen counters and sinks, fireplace surrounds and furniture. Founder Patrick Miller creates sensuous, warm, unique pieces that delight and surprise those who think of concrete as only industrial."
Jann Heumann operates Ivy’s Soft Goods in a separate room right off the showroom. Ivy is the four-legged beauty on the floor. You can reach Jann at 707-876-1999.
Outside, you find The Bird House company, featuring locally made birdhouses, from 100% recycled materials, and all the birdhouses are only twenty bucks! Have you shopped for birdhouses lately? I have and this is a steal. You can reach them at 707-536-3009
Whether you live here at the coast or are coming out for a visit, consider stopping by this beautiful gallery, and say hello to Sharon!
West County Design
14390 Highway One
Valley Ford, CA 94972
phone: 707.876.1963
email: info[at]westcountydesign.com
showroom hours: Thursday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and by appointment
