Crestwood's 'Tea Barn' Harbors a Secret Upstairs

The attic of the Tea Barn at Crestwood's historic Thomas Sappington house is a tax-free gift shop with unique items for sale.

To find the narrow stairway up into the attic, go inside the Tea Barn eatery and look for a door just past the kitchen. 

It's cozy, bright and warm in this attic and it is filled with colorful, beautifully made products. Teapots, ornate tea cups, hats with flowers, hand-quilted bed covers, baby toys and clothes, candles, jewelry, candlesticks, Sappington House cookbooks, tiered dessert trays--classic items for entertaining and homemaking--are there.

Marilyn Fleming, the proprietor, is a knowledgeable, kind and helpful soul who served as a docent at the historic house for years, and took over the shop when asked to serve.

"We really try to have things that are early home accessories," Fleming said, in describing the wares.

There are also dolls made in the early American frontier fashion, clocks, paintings, lace, woven rugs, drawings and changing holiday decorations.

The collection of buildings is owned by the City of Crestwood, and has non-profit status.

Gina Polan-Norton re-opened the eatery at the Tea Barn in November after a 2-year hiatus. She hopes to see business pick up as warmer weather brings more people to Grant's Trail. An outside patio, or porch overlooks the grounds of the Sappington House.

It is located on Sappington Road, across from Crestwood Elementary School, beside Grant's Trail.