August 2011 feature on Home Sweet Home in Digby Road, next to the Tourist Office.
With a name like “Home Sweet Home” it’s not surprising that this intriguing shop appeals to all of those who are looking for those special touches, those little surprises and simply things pleasing to the eye that make up the character, the look and feel of a home.
Liz Burt opened her shop three years ago as part of her marketing business, pursuing her interest in speciality foods and anything to do with the home. Her guiding strategy is that “everything should be lovely to look at, useful or delicious” and this is certainly manifested in the colourful and attractive interior of the shop.
Liz also believes in supporting local products and crafts when she can and she is happy to tell her customers about the origin of anything in the shop. A range of locally made wooden products is made from renewable West Country hard woods; the bright blue glaze used by a local potter is on display; a zesty lemon marmalade, made locally to an Italian recipe, sits enticingly on a shelf.
The food side of the business consists mostly of more durable, packaged products: olives, oil, pistachios in honey, Cornish sea-salt, jams and chutneys – and Home Sweet Home recently won the Sherborne franchise for a range of Jamie Oliver products made specifically for independent shops.
Liz’s aim is to source as many different crafted products as possible and therefore the range of goods changes and fluctuates according to the capacity and changing styles of the people who make the goods. The seasons are also reflected with more throws and draft excluders in winter and lots of specially packaged items and foodstuffs in the run-up to Christmas.
Liz spends a lot of time getting things just right and with the support of her part-time helpers the shop is always kept spic and span, with lots of effort put into the presentation of gift purchases – and good service is a given!
Originally from London, Liz feels completely at home in Sherborne, having moved here 17 years ago. Even before then, she knew Sherborne from family holidays and felt then it was the sort of place she could live in quite happily. She loves the way that she can walk everywhere, surrounded by an attractive, well preserved environment. Liz feels that Sherborne is very special and is doing her bit to contribute to the surprises and individuality of the town.