Wouldn’t it be interesting to poke around the attics of some of the stately homes in the Park Cities? In recognition of the curious nature of people, Bill and Marsha Voinov opened A Peek In The Attic in Snider Plaza. They say: Feel free to snoop.
The Voinovs have loved antiques since they were married in San Angelo while Bill was stationed at the Air Force base. The couple was soon sent to Istanbul, where they searched out and collected rare antiques. Later, they moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where their next-door neighbor was a 100-year-old lady who often let them search her attic for treasures.
Thus came the idea – and the name – for their future store.
The Voinovs came to Dallas 22 years ago for Bill’s job with Southwestern Bell. They found the community spirit of Lake Highlands appealing and bought their home in Merriman Park. Their two children attended Merriman Park Elementary, Forest Meadow Junior High and Lake Highlands High School. Both have since graduated from college and are living in Dallas.
“Everyone knows you in Lake Highlands,” Marsha says. “You will see friends at the grocery store. It really feels like a small town. When we were working seven days a week, neighborhood friends would help out with the children.”
The Voinovs first dabbled in antiques as a business by selling pieces at antique shows; later, they opened a shop at Olla Podrida in North Dallas.
The pair began looking for a new location 13 years ago, and when they found the space in Snider Plaza, with a creaky wood floor and picture windows perfect for peeking into, they knew the space at 6722 Snider Plaza was just right.
The Voinovs says they’ve built a loyal customer base with a level of service rare in these times of fast food mentality. For example, there was the time a customer needed a gift but didn’t have time to shop. She called the store and gave the Voinovs a budget and some parameters. They then wrapped the gift and carried it to the customer’s car as she drove through the parking lot.
Bill loves advertising memorabilia, toys and Santas. He’s looking forward to retiring from Southwestern Bell in a few years and working at the shop full time.
Marsha loves items from the Victorian Era for the workmanship and quality of the silver and linens. She has even dabbled in celebrity gilding by outfitting the Dixie Chicks, the hot female country music group from Dallas, in Victorian clothing.
For information, call 214-972-PEEK.
