Welcome
After a life spent in public service – Carl Littlefield and his wife of 48 years, Cheryl, were looking for a way to justify spending six months a year in the Highlands – Cashiers area in their retirement years. While this respite allowed them to escape the heat and humidity of Florida; they realized they needed more. Recognizing one can only play so much golf and hike so many trails during this time – Mantiques provided a much needed diversion and a way to keep busy.
For Carl, an avid collector for over 40 years, it’s about “the hunt.” And the satisfaction in discovering the history and provenance of a unique collectable or time cherished find. More importantly, he loves sharing his stories and decorative ideas for his treasures with those who also appreciate his prized artifacts from another time.
Today, Mantiques is a shop – but not just any shop. It’s a combination museum, treasure chest, and scavenger hunt all rolled into a rustic clapboard sanctuary for memorabilia, antiques, furniture, and other fine collectibles. It’s a place that pays homage to the nostalgia of yesterday. While the store reflects a masculine feel – those of the female persuasion will also find Mantiques intriguing and oddly alluring.
The Cashiers store is filled, floor to second-story ceiling, with finds from days gone by. Things that never glimpsed an assembly line or the inside of a transoceanic cargo ship. Vintage collectibles crafted from wood and steel and bone and hide, hardy stuff that was subject to the rigors of the forge, anvil and hammer, and delicate treasures rendered with carving knives and fine grit sandpaper, and finished with steady, sure brush strokes.
Mantiques is a great place to shop – or simply browse. Or stop in and listen to Carl enchantingly describe the story behind a newly acquired treasure. If you happen to drop by in the early morning, it’s a good spot to have coffee – and catch up on the local news. But it’s also a great place to just drop by and hang out – and be comfortable. That’s what makes Mantiques special. Stop by our Cashiers store and take it in the next time you are in the area.
Serving the Highlands – Cashiers Plateau Since 2012
After 40 years as a collector … it’s about “the hunt.” And the satisfaction in discovering the history and provenance of a unique collectable or time cherished antique. I love sharing stories and decorative ideas for these treasures with those who also appreciate prized artifacts from another time.
– Carl Littlefield