Clare Stephens

Clare was born and raised in Newton Abbot and her first job was working on her family’s fruit and vegetable stall in Newton Abbots indoor market, something which she loved and remembers fondly. After leaving school she studied French, English and Psychology at Torquay Tech and worked for several years in management at Holland and Barrett. She has always had an interest in antiques and as a child was fascinated with objects that had a history. She regularly went to local auctions with her mum, and this fuelled her interest in antiques, leading her to fill her home with interesting finds. Many years later, after a varied career that included work as a film extra for a German film company and some years spent working as a carer and cook for the elderly, her partner and her started up their own antiques business, Vintage House, buying and restoring antique furniture and selling it from an online store. They have run the business for over 15 years through many ups and downs in an ever-changing antiques market. During this time, she had an opportunity to work part-time at Rendells whilst continuing to run the business with her partner Paul. In her spare time she is a bell ringer at St Marys church in Denbury and heavily involved in village life, having most recently become part of the committee setting up Denbury's new community shop. She spends her weekends on her allotment and walking their energetic Welsh Terrier.