Beekman Boys expand Sharon Springs shop

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

Brent Ridge, left, and Dr. Josh Kilmer-Purcell, of The Fabulous Beekman Boys, pose at Beekman Farm in Sharon Springs in this April 2, 2011, photo.

Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, also known as the Beekman Boys, will open a home furnishings showroom on Main Street today, with the intention of attracting visitors from neighboring counties and states to the town.

The showroom will be on the second floor of the Beekman 1802 Mercantile store, which is located at 187 Main St. and sells goods produced at their own and other farms.

Kilmer-Purcell and Ridge, stars of “The Fabulous Beekman Boys” reality television show, purchased the historic Beekman 1802 farm in 2007.

Originally just a weekend getaway from New York City, the farm became their lifeline after both men lost their jobs within a month of each other in 2008. Faced with possible foreclosure, the pair made a decision — if they were going to save their farm, they would have to make it profitable.

The couple then began producing soap and cheese while neighbors taught them how to farm. The men began working with several other local farmers and artisans to market their goods, and the Main Street shop was born.

Ridge said he is excited to open the showroom and hopes it will attract visitors from neighboring states.

“We are so excited to have the full showroom as part of the flagship Beekman 1802 store in Sharon Springs,” he said. “All of the pieces we’ve designed were inspired by the grand old hotels and guesthouses that once welcomed thousands of visitors to Sharon Springs, and we hope that having a great shopping experience will bring some of those thousands back.”

Beekman 1802’s furniture and bedding collection will debut next week in select Bloomingdale’s retail stores and at the Beekman 1802 Mercantile & Showroom in Sharon Springs, which will be open weekends and by appointment.

“We hope that people who are interested in heirloom-quality furnishings from throughout our region will put Sharon Springs on their list of places to look,” Kilmer-Purcell said.

Georgia VanDyke, executive director of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce, said people in the county are excited for the showroom to open.

“Any business that strives to bring more people to the county is great,” she said. “The Beekman Boys have really been a tourism generator and people are really excited to see what they have added to their already fantastic collection.”