Antique fans across the country were recently treated to a special episode of BBC’s Antiques Road Trip as renowned auctioneer and jewellery expert Izzie Balmer made a memorable visit to House of Antiques in Shepshed, Leicestershire.
Set within a historic building full of charm and character, the House of Antiques played host to a day of treasure hunting, banter, and brilliant discoveries – with Izzie unearthing a series of standout items that turned heads and raised eyebrows (and bids!) later at auction.
A Hidden Gem of a Stop
From the moment she stepped inside, Izzie was captivated by the eclectic mix of vintage curiosities, fine collectables, and hidden gems spread across multiple rooms and dealer spaces. The House of Antiques is well known in the region for its welcoming atmosphere and wide-ranging stock, and Izzie wasted no time diving in.
With her trademark eye for quality and detail, she uncovered several fascinating pieces – from quirky mid-century items to classic ceramics and even an unusual piece of silver with hidden hallmarks. Her enthusiasm for hunting down the unusual was on full display, and it made for fantastic viewing.
Fantastic Finds with Auction Potential
Among the highlights of Izzie’s visit were:
- A rare Edwardian brooch with intricate detailing, tucked away in a cabinet that many might have walked past.
- A Victorian glass scent bottle with silver overlay – an elegant piece that caught her expert eye for craftsmanship.
- A novelty silver toast rack, which had everyone chuckling but later turned out to be a solid performer at auction.
These carefully chosen items later featured in the auction showdown, where Izzie’s picks performed impressively – reaffirming her reputation as one of the UK’s sharpest antique experts.
A Proud Moment for the House of Antiques
Co-Owner Otis Dyke said:
“It was an absolute pleasure having Izzie and the Antiques Road Trip team visit. Our dealers work incredibly hard to keep the space full of interesting, quality items – and to see those efforts recognised on national TV was really special.”
The episode has already brought new faces through the door, with viewers inspired to come and explore the same space where Izzie made her finds.
Visit Us and Start Your Own Treasure Hunt
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious browser, or just a fan of the show, the House of Antiques in Shepshed is open 7 days a week and offers something for everyone. From vintage fashion to fine china, rustic furniture to retro oddities – you never know what you’ll find.
Come and walk in Izzie Balmer’s footsteps – your next fantastic find could be just around the corner.
📍 House of Antiques, Shepshed, Leicestershire
🕰 Open daily | 🛍 Over 200 dealers | 🎬 As seen on BBC’s Antiques Road Trip
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily highlights, dealer features, and fresh stock alerts.