Antique Buying Tours 2025

Anne Martin and Tamara Martin-Brown are a pasionate Mother/Daughter Duo who have been in the Interior + Landscape Design, Furniture and Antique business for over 30 years in one way or another.

Since Launching Founders of Rome in 2017, the seed was planted to bring our collective passions: Italy, France, Antiques, Food, Wine & People together to experience what we have so often talked about sharing with others!

Laughter is the ingredient that seals the deal on working together, we are never short of an experience worthy of aperitivo hour storytelling!

  • Join us on our French antique buying trail!

    From Paris to Provence, we will take you on a sensory journey to explore the iconic gastronomy, vibrant energy, fashion, furniture, decor and art from the refined, to the sprawling markets of unbelievable antiques and artisans as we move into the Provence region.

    We will meet dealers, visit an Internationally renowned antique fair and take you behind the doors to some exceptional dealers and artisans. You will be inspired, entertained and hopefully acquire your own treasures along the way!

    From a few accent pieces, to a full house of antiques, we can work with you to find those pieces that make your heart sing. The best bit? We ship it home for you!

    Private appointments are available on request*

  • Stay Chic

    You will be welcomed ‘home’ to beautifully designed, utterly exquisite and truly French hotel accomodation in Paris and Provence.

    Surrounded by classic French design aesthetic in beautifully curated spaces, you will be inspired for your design and antique journey with us!

    Options for room upgrades and private tours of local sights, from landmarks to art and antique dealers or good dose of Parisian fashion shopping, We have your bases covered!

  • The Culinary Experience

    All included meals will take you on a culinary journey through the Paris and Provence region to experience French dining.

    If you want to venture out to explore on your own, we will provide you with a list of recommended spots that the locals enjoy, and take care of any bookings you need.

  • You buy, we ship it home!

    We understand that shopping for unique items can be daunting, especially while traveling.

    That’s why we take care of all your purchases, bringing your newfound treasures home for you. What could be easier?

    Once goods arrive in New Zealand, we will arrange delivery to your home, Nationwide with trusted furniture handling from our carriers. Additional 'white glove' services to unpack, and place your precious items under our supervision.

  • Experiences at your doorstep!

    Each tour is carefully curated to the small group of no more than 12 guests. This allows us to share experiences difficult to do with larger groups. We will create a well balanced itinerary of antique buying, gastronomic experiences, local artisans, and plenty of rest and luxuriating at the villa in between these incredible moments! We carefully place ourselves within day trip distance of beautiful villages, and each one has their own magic charm and secrets to uncover.

  • Luxury Transport

    Tours will start in Paris in April at our chosen Hotel in the Marais district. You will be transported in comfort from Paris to the Provence, where you will need a moment to breathe in your beautiful home for the next week in the stunning L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a Provençal town in Vaucluse, southeast France, famous for its antique dealers and twice annual International antique fair!

    Transport to organised trips and private appointments (upon request) will be via fully air-conditioned and modern vehicles with an experienced driver.

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  • Join us on our antique buying trail!

    Our personally curated tours are designed to fulfil your passion for antiques, hunting for treasures to take home and cherish for many years to come.

    After years of holding our relationships with dealers close to our hearts, we warmly invite you into our world!

    From a few accent pieces, to a full house of antiques, we can work with you to find those pieces that make your heart sing. The best bit? We ship it home for you!

    Private appointments are available on request*

  • Stay in a Private Tuscan Villa

    You will be welcomed ‘home’ to an authentic Italian villa, boasting a perfect blend of charm and luxury.

    Surrounded by true classic Italian design aesthetic in beautifully curated spaces, you will be inspired for your design and antique journey with us!

    Soak and refresh in a heated pool, lounge with a book and gelato, or sneak away to plenty of break-out spaces to enjoy in solitude perhaps with a Prosecco in hand.

    We ensure privacy is catered for, promising a perfect balance of privacy and social time.

  • The Culinary Experience

    The in-house chef will prepare delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients, throughout your stay.

    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are catered for with traditional local cuisine and Italian favourites.

    Imagine waking in Tuscan bliss, savouring a delightful breakfast overlooking rolling hills, ready for a day filled with adventure and discovery!

    We can't let a successful Antique Hunting day end without an Aperitivo hour to prepare the palate and share the days experiences!

  • You buy, we ship it home!

    We understand that shopping for unique items can be daunting, especially while traveling.

    That’s why we take care of all your purchases, bringing your newfound treasures home for you. What could be easier?

    Once goods arrive in New Zealand, we will arrange delivery to your home, Nationwide with trusted furniture handling from our carriers. Additional 'white glove' services to unpack, and place your precious items under our supervision.

  • Experiences at your doorstep!

    Each tour is carefully curated to the small group of no more than 12 guests. This allows us to share experiences difficult to do with larger groups. We will create a well balanced itinerary of Antique buying, gastronomic experiences, local artisans, and plenty of rest and luxuriating at the villa in between these incredible moments! We carefully place ourselves within day trip distance of beautiful villages, and each one has their own magic charm and secrets to uncover.

  • Luxury Transport

    Tours will start from Florence, where we will collect you and transport you to our 'Antique Home Base'. You will be transported in comfort from Florence to the private Tuscan Villa, exhaling and feeling instantly inspired as you arrive and take in your stunning home for the next week.

    Transport to organised trips and private appointments (upon request) will be via fully air-conditioned and modern vehicles with an experienced driver.

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