We Are Upstate NY With Bridge House Vintage Owner Judy Fertel

By inside + out | April 19, 2024

“We Are Upstate” with one of our favorite vintage goods curators, Ms. Judy Fertel of Bridge House Vintage. Located in East Chatham, NY, Judy specializes in mid-century modern furniture, lighting, art and decor – from “clean-lined classics and rustic” to what she calls “a big mix of whatever makes my heart flutter.” This includes an ever-changing inventory of ethnic or more graphic pieces, rugs and smaller chic “objets,” as well as the work of noted designers.

Judy procures her items from both the US and Europe, some of which she refurbishes, but all of which lend even more character to the charming 1860s barn that houses her welcoming shop. Treasure hunting for antiques with family throughout her life has guided her dream and her foray into entrepreneurship. She loves that Bridge House Vintage lets her connect with people in a genuine way:

“I love talking to people. It’s why I’ve been in creative sales and business development my whole career. Online is great, but nothing beats in-person shopping. Touching, feeling, asking questions as they come up. Thankfully, you can’t replace that.”

Stop by Judy’s inspired vintage barn and explore her eclectic, one-of-a-kind antiques and vintage treasures. Browse her ever-changing inventory, ask questions and share stories—that’s what Bridge House Vintage is all about. In the meantime, let’s get to know Judy Fertel in this exclusive interview…

Where are you originally from and how did you wind up in the Hudson Valley? East Chatham specifically?

I was born in Manhattan, raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, through high school and then moved back to the City for university and the bulk of my career. I ended up living in East Chatham because one day, as I was getting off the subway and heading to work, something just clicked in my head that I was done with New York… tired of being outbid on apartments and all the changes happening in the city I loved. NYC shaped me as a person, for sure. My mom and dad were educators and we all worked together with my grandfather in the family bagel bakery in the Bronx. They were all raised in the City, but one day the light went off for me and that was it… my “Green Acres” moment, I suppose. I chose East Chatham because my great uncle had a property up here that we visited all the time, so we were very familiar with the area.

What inspired your interest in vintage, and how did it lead to an antiques business?

My parents had a love for antiques. Stopping at estate sales and going to auctions was a large part of my childhood. You could say it’s a part of my DNA. I was allowed to choose two things each time we attended. Usually, it was something inexpensive, like a trinket or something small. But one day, to my parents’ chagrin and their poor ears, I chose a drum set – a full “Ivory + Chrome” Pearl drum set, which we bought at a country auction in the Adirondacks. (I went on to play in bands and sing, but that’s another story.) Until recently, I was still picking with my 88-year-old father whenever we were together, and if not, we would Facetime so he could show me all the “scores” he had acquired. Sadly, he passed a couple of weeks ago.

I got into the antiques industry in 1995 through a headhunter on Madison Ave in the city. At the time, I was the senior designer/event coordinator at Rhinelander Florist on East 60th Street and I was looking to do something creative. I managed the Sony Music and Friars Club accounts, but working every weekend and holiday and going to the market on 28th Street at 5am was taking its toll. I was contacted about a position at Ann-Morris Antiques on East 60th Street; they manufactured custom English-style fixtures to go with their vast collection of high-end English and Scottish furniture. The job was to run their custom lighting division “to the trade”. I learned everything I could under the master tutelage of its owner, Herbie Shinderman, and I was also meeting clients who were the “who’s who” of the design and architecture worlds. That led me to Remains Lighting, where I started as Showroom manager, then Sales manager and finally as Director of Business Development. So there I was, back on 28th Street… for the next 15 years, on the Chelsea flower block where it all began.

Tell us about the barn – the day you found it, the renovations and the history.

My shop is in an 1860s storage barn. It has the most wonderful beams and details but it’s also the most crooked building. Let’s just say hanging art is a challenge. It was a hot mess with no bathroom when I initially looked at it, but I put my money, my heart and my soul into that renovation. You couldn’t get a contractor right after Covid and no one wanted a small job, so I had to get to work. I built the railings from old barn wood that I had salvaged (which we placed and took down three times). I also built the stairs, painted the shop and and re-cemented the floors with the help of a friend. I had signed a lease to open on May 1st, 2020 when Covid hit. The original owner was very nice and let me out of my lease; fortunately, he quickly found someone from the city who wanted it as an office. So for the next two years, I sold out of my garage at my house and online. One day I was driving by and saw a realtor bringing the rental sign back out and I opened on May 1st, 2022, two years to the day. Some things are just meant to happen, I suppose. The barn is the perfect vessel for antiques, don’t you think?

Tell us more about your finds. From where/how do you acquire your vintage inventory?

I specialize in mid-century modern, clean-lined classics and rustic, simple pieces that I purchase from Europe and the States. But honestly, it’s a big mix of whatever makes my heart flutter. Asking an antique dealer where they get their pieces is like asking a magician the secret to their best trick. We’re asked that all the time. I just smile a lot or say “overseas” or “all over”, which is actually true.

How does design influence you and your business?

My background in display and design plays a huge role in everything I do, from picking to refinishing to display. I have a degree in Display and Exhibit Design from FIT and I use those principles in every component of my life.

What do you sell the most of and who are your ideal clients?

The pieces that garner the most attention are mid-century, which is perfect for the modern farmhouses in this area. My ideal clients are kind people. Opening the shop has given me access to so many people and my dearest friends are clients. Besides my regular hours, I’m available seven days a week by appointment with no pressure to buy. Whether it’s due to style or price point, not everyone is my client, but you figure that out pretty quickly.

What is one question you’re constantly asked or the biggest misconception about what you do?

Besides being asked where I get my pieces, a lot of people ask what my home is like. Contrary to popular belief, it is not easy to find great pieces. The industry has changed and everyone’s kid has a side hustle in reselling. It’s harder and harder to find amazing things and I’m so thankful to all the dealers who are now great friends. We buy and sell to each other as much as we sell to our clients. We support each other for sure.

How do you grow your business and how do your clients find you?

As a first-time business owner, I find it has been a hardcore learning experience. I’ve run other people’s businesses for my whole career but when you’re the owner, you have so many details to consider such as bills and other worries; but of course, the joys, too. Clients can find me on Instagram, Chairish, by popping into the store and by word of mouth. I always ask clients to spread the word and they graciously oblige.

What is the most rewarding and most challenging part of your job?

Knowing that this is my business is an amazing feeling and also stressful. I love talking to people. It’s why I’ve been in creative sales and business development my whole career. Online is great, but nothing beats in-person shopping. Touching, feeling, asking questions as they come up. Thankfully, you can’t replace that.

Are there any new developments or upcoming projects you’d like to share?

Somewhere in the back of my brain is a lighting line. I’ve designed pieces and then put them on the shelf or in a file. Ya know, starts and stops; I mean, I’ve spent my whole career in antique and custom lighting, and I have a large swath of knowledge to put into it, but right now, it’s time to focus on building Bridge House, my antique company. With that being said (drum roll, please)… here’s the BIG NEWS!

I’ll soon be joining The Shop in Hudson, pairing up with the fabulous Jackie & Ida of “Ida’s Eye.”

We’re so excited to bring a fresh perspective to the Hudson Valley antique scene. Stay tuned for exciting updates, with an opening this spring!

What is it about the Hudson Valley that makes it unique to live + work here?

First and foremost it’s being submerged in nature. There are many makers and creatives living here and the inspo is abundant.

What impact does your business strive to have on your community?

I’m a member of this community, which is very important to me. I’m a founding member of a women’s group called The New Locals who meet every two weeks and share great food, drinks and knowledge with each other. These ladies are some of my best friends. When you’re a “cidiot” like me, you need to find your people.

What local businesses do you rely on to be successful?

For starters, I’d say the wonderful restaurants in the area; they literally feed my soul. Also the local dealers, refinishers and restorers – and, of course, my bestie Sandy Klempner, who has an eponymous shop in West Stockbridge; it’s a must-see if you aren’t familiar with it. She’s my mentor and supplies me with so much love and friendship, which is greatly appreciated.

Tell us something about yourself that people might be surprised to know.

A long time ago, I wanted to be a dancer and performer. I tried out in New York for the television show “In Living Color” back in the day to be a “fly girl” and made it through the tryouts very close to the finish line. It was the year J-Lo was hired in LA for the show. (Who knew I’d need to know how to do backflips?) Anyway, it’s a great memory and a feeling of pride for me.

What is missing in the area that you wish we had?

I wish we had a great sushi spot in town, a cobbler and definitely a great place to get a manicure. Sounds trivial, but man, I miss that.

What would be your dream Staycation?

I wish I could shut my phone off for a long period of time anywhere. Dealers are up at the crack of dawn researching, contacting, picking and collaborating. It never stops and neither does my phone.