About Collector’s Eye:
Located at the intersection of Route 101 & 33 at the very center of historic Stratham NH, the Collector's Eye antique and gift shop has been a well known and favorite destination for over 32 years.

An ariel view of the Collector's Eye property.

What began as a small antique, dried flowers and artisan shop by Grayson and Kitty-Lou Kirtland in 1972, the Collector's Eye has grown to become to one of the most unique antiquing experiences in New England. Present owners Bob and Janet Neily's mission has been to consistenty improve this quaint shop by attracting top dealers and offering a cross section of reasonably priced antiques, collectibles and home decor and gift items. The shop features 28 experienced and dedicated dealers offering a wide selection of products. The Collector’s Eye occupies two floors of the historic 18th century barn, and the property is also blessed with a number of other buildings, all registered on the National Register of Historic Places (1983).

Not only is the Collector’s Eye known for it’s unique experience and exceptional selection, but also as host of several "Special Events" and festivities, such as the annual Fall Festival. Annual events draw visitors from not only the seacoast region, but from all over New England.

Visit the Collector’s Eye and find out why we’ve become a seacoast favorite!

Property History:
The Collector’s Eye property dates back to 1741 when it was purchased by Deacon Samuel Lane from Hampton, NH. A very disciplined and intelligent man, Samuel wore many hats – that of Deacon, surveyor, cobbler and tanner. He was also a family man, having raised 10 children in the property’s main house. As a side note, Samuel was also a very generous father, successfully setting up each of his children with their own farm nearby.

As a local historical figure Samuel Lane has become widely known because of the diaries that he kept for over 60 years of his life. Through these rich documents, we’ve learned of daily life during colonial times, not only in NH but also regionally and nationally, as he added monthly observations on political events and happenings throughout the nation. Also included in the diaries are records of such things as weather (he hated NH winters!), Indian attacks, hangings, and plagues.

In 1768 what is now know as the Collector’s Eye barn was raised. Samuel Lane lived on this property until his death in 1803. At that time, Samuel’s son Jabez moved into the home and added a Federal Colonial house to the original house. However, Jabez occupied the home for only 3 years before his death in 1806.

In addition to the Main House, and the Collector's Eye Barn, the property includes two other original buildings. The Tannery and The Cobble House were also built in the 18th century. A large herb garden and 2 acre Mill Pond complete the property.

Upon his death, Jabez willed the homestead to the Lane family. His stipulation was that the property would remain in the Lane family for as long as a Lane wanted to live in the house. Thus began an almost 200 year tenure of that property being owned and operated by the Lanes.

In 1939 the homestead passed out of the Lane family. Today, the property is owned by it’s fifth owners, Bob and Janet Neily.