Ivy Villa -- unique setting for unique gifts

Business Today

CHARLESTON - A turn-of-the-century house has found a new life as a home for a shop offering unique gifts and collectibles. Ivy Villa, owned by Ann Rolwing, opened this spring at 217 E. Marshall St. to provide a wide selection of gifts for all ages.

The selections range from gourmet foods to jewelry to glassware. Rolwing encourages customers to take their time as they wander through each room on the first floor where they find such items as the Bicknese Red Hat line of lotions and soaps or Westland giftware.

Many of her customers are drawn to the cabinet containing the series of ceramics known as the Trail of the Painted Ponies while others prefer the women's hats and purses.

For the antique collector, there is even an area set aside for them.

There are cookbooks for the aspiring gourmet. For those who want their gourmet foods without all the cooking, Ivy Villa carries Leepy's gourmet food. Along with the salsas, pickles and jams, Rolwing points out the pie mixes that have proved popular -- Mississippi Delta Fudge Pie, Plantation Pie and the southern favorite, Grand Old Chess Pie.

Even the candles can whet the appetite with names like Tangello, Lemonade and Fried Green Tomatoes.

Many of the items are unique to Ivy Villa. The store offers wreaths and swags and Rolwing's custom-designed, embroidered blanket featuring the Charleston Bluejay has proved a popular gift for recent graduates.