Tucked away on 21 Burns Lane, just off of busy King Street, sits a pretty, pink building which is home to a store called The Hidden Countship. Possibly the only indication of what you’ll find on the inside is the Italian flag waving proudly just above the door.

If you’ve read my “About Me” section then you’ll know that I lived in Italy for a period of time, and I welcome any opportunity to feel a connection to the country that will hold a part of my heart forever. Which is why when I happened to peer down Burns Lane for the first time several years ago, I was drawn like a moth to a flame as soon as I spotted the Italian flag.

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting to find, but this store has ended up being one of my favorite finds in all of Charleston.

One of the things that I loved and respected when I lived in Italy was the appreciation for true craftsmanship that you find there. In Italy it is far less common to find stores that sell a little of everything, and far more common to find stores that sell a variety of one thing. My walk every morning in Florence, for example, took me past a leather shop, a cheese shop, a wine shop, a meat shop, a ceramics shop, a shop that sold linens, and a shop that sold handmade shoes. You don’t buy from the person who does everything. You buy from the person who does one thing. And who does it well.

This respect for artisans is exactly what you’ll find in The Hidden Countship. The store was founded in 2010 by husband and wife, Giulio and Donatella Della Porta, and they have been seeking out beautiful, handcrafted pieces from the people who make them best to add to their collection ever since.

What I love about visiting this store is that I find something new each time, and everything is quality. They carry items like handwoven table napkins made from 100% Italian linen, stationary sets and dinnerware with beautiful depictions engraved by hand, and delicately carved knife sets.

You’ll also find antique furniture like this gorgeous accent table:

And this collection of jewelry inlaid with actual Roman Empire coins that were minted in the Second Century A.D. and found in Umbria, Italy:

Literally and figuratively, this place is an absolute treasure! As are the lovely couple who own it!

I hope you get a chance to stop by this store on your next visit downtown. You’ll be glad you did!