I initially avoided The Poland House based on the reviews below, but my husband and I decided to stop and actually had a pleasant experience with the man who works there. He did ask us not to take pictures in the store, but politely and was helpful and chatty throughout the rest of our visit. Not to say he might have acted differently toward the reviewers below, just giving a different perspective. As others noted, it's a mix of antique and newer items, which I liked. They have soy candles with the most AMAZING scents. If you like nice nicknacks, antiques, or items with a bit of a country vibe and don't mind combing through rooms on rooms of things, I definitely recommend. read more

For all the past reviews with negative feedback I would urge you to go back and visit. I felt the same as you the first time I went years ago. I have been back several times last year, and so far this year. The atmosphere is the opposite of what it was, and the owner was quite friendly and not at all overpowering. I don't know if cameras have been installed. I think if they were it would be helpful as there is only 1 person in the shop with many rooms filled with items. With customers coming in and roaming I can understand the need to keep an eye on things without making people uncomfortable. Unfortunately, not everyone is trustworthy. I know I'll continue to visit the shop when I'm in the area. Absolutely love the soy jar candles! read more

I honestly could not leave this place fast enough. I was close to having a panic attack by the end of my 6 minute visit... from the outside.. it looks charming and there are tons of unique items jam packed inside.. definitely overpriced but hey... I get it. I found it very odd that I was the ONLY customer on a weekend day.. especially at a such a cute location. However, I understood why the moment the man inside approached me. Barefoot and abrasive. He swiveled in his chair in every direction I walked ... watching me... imagine looking through items and you see a pair of eyes looking back at you between Mr. and Mrs clause.... it seriously made me feel so uncomfortable. The moment I started picking things out I wanted to buy.. then he came towards me bout scared the shit out of me saying are you going to get those? .... I was... I will say, he tried to converse with me after that for a moment once I told him the items I look for in stores like this and he showed me another area... but the way he kept watching me and told me I couldn't take photos... I had just had enough and the panic sweats started... I wanted to crawl right out of my skin in there. It's great if some people can look past the predator vibes... I just couldn't.. good luck out there. read more

The Poland House - Antiques Near Me - Poland, Maine

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We called ahead as right now they are only open by appt due to covid. He was glad to open for us with some notice. The place was full to the brim with tons of cool antiques. A little of everything, lots of Christmas stuff. We found quite a few things to take home with us! I've seen the other reviews on here and he did follow us at a distance at the beginning, once we chatted a little, he was put at ease and hung out at the counter. My husband had a lovely conversation with him. Everyone deserves a little slack these days. We look forward to trying to visit again in the summer as it was an awesome place to explore. read more

Well I didn't get very far although the shop looks interesting. I chose to take a bike ride and stopped there to look around. The guy was outside and never said hello, just" you're not going to carry much with that!" Eying my bike. Against my better judgment I walked in the entryway and started looking. He said " can't be too healthy doing that on a day like this. ( he could use some pedaling). The atmosphere really felt hostile to me so I left. He said " that it?" Will never go in there again read more

I was totally gobsmacked by the incredible selection of stuff (we came at Christmas time, the atmosphere was mind-blowing.) Much of it was new, but there were a lot of really, really cool antiques. As I was leaving I asked the proprietor if this was how it looked after the Christmas season, and he said, no, he takes it all down by himself and replaces it with the antique stuff. Then he saw my phone out and asked, "You weren't taking pictures, were you?" I said, "Yes, isn't that all right?" He replied, "No. People who come in and take pictures without asking are beyond me." Fine, dingaling. You may think that owning a half-million-dollar house stuffed to the gills with millions of dollars worth of inventory makes you better than everyone else, but here's a couple of tips: 1) If you don't want people taking pictures, post a sign on your door to that effect. 2) If someone happens to be taking pictures, you could ask them politely not to - something like "I appreciate your coming in, but I'd prefer you not take pictures." 3) Don't make people feel like an idiot. I was taking photos to show everyone what an amazing place you run. Instead, you get one measly star for being a turdcasket. So if you like lots of amazing knickknacks and decorative stuff, by all means shop here. The prices are not too outrageous, some of them seemed quite reasonable. But be warned - the proprietor doesn't give a rat's south-40 for his clientele. read more

I went in with a friend about a year ago and was impressed with this store in the middle of a nothing of a town. As far as previous reviews? Why anyone would be compelled to feel like it is necessary to take pictures is beyond me! I don't go to JC Penney's and take pictures. The guy was nice to my friend and I. My husband and I are heading over to see if we can find a nice lit mantle garland. I figure if anyone around is going to have one. **He had lots of garlands!!! He was just as friendly as a year ago!! read more

Whenever we are in the area we stop by this charming place. It is an adventure to explore and a treat to see how beautifully the owner has arranged the merchandise. I have never left without buying something, sometimes old to add to my collections and sometimes new such as unique greeting cards and soy candles. We always enjoy conversing with the owner. He is very helpful and packages our purchases carefully. Love this place! read more

I would give zero stars if I could. I have never witnessed such a rude shop owner in my life and I'm almost 60. He was confrontational from the moment we stepped in. He continually stared (or glared for a better word) at my mom and me during our entire visit. When I was leaving I told him how rude he was... he came out from his hole to confront me in person and told me how rude I was. I cannot believe he is still in business with that attitude. I normally read reviews before I go anywhere, but just saw this place on my drive and thought I would stop in. The other reviews are right on target with the treatment you get there. read more

I purposely looked up reviews after visiting this place 2 days ago and I'm feeling vindicated. I've been visiting my daughter and we'd been to several antique shops and made purchases at every single one. I took a few photos of the outside as it is a lovely old home with tons of decorative objects on the outside. They were a bit over the top but fun. I was gobsmacked as I walked through the door. I Still had my iPhone in hand and I exclaimed to my daughter this is amazing. It was like a Christmas shop on steroids. It was chock full from floor to ceiling. It seemed to be well organized but overwhelming. Then ... i was startled suddenly by a gruff man who told me to PUT my camera away and DO NOT TAKE PHOTOS...no hello...No welcome. When I reached his desk I told him I was curious why he was so against photos. I mentioned I love to post on Instagram the amazing and interesting spots I chance upon and I thought he might be losing out on an opportunity to publicize his unique shop. HMMM. A MISTAKE. He launched into how things were better before social media and the 60's and although I felt we had some civilized discussion , he made it known that he felt he was more ripped off and cheated by photo takers. He did not see the relevance in welcoming us more graciously. My daughter decided she felt much too uncomfortable to remain and we left. Pity...i think he is better at hoarding his inventory than moving it. Not a people person. read more

The Poland House - I pulled a Uturn to venture into this intriguing ahop - Antiques Near Me - Poland, Maine

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I was initially blown away by the selection in this lovely old restored home. In fact, I did feel at several points quite overwhelmed. It is charming, but 75% of the merchandise is new. The owner has a phenomenal selection of antique kerosene glass lamps that are amazing and well worth the trip. Rooms are done in "themes" by color, holiday, and content. Make sure to have your eyes travel up and down - there are things in literally every corner of this place. And there are at least some antiques in every room. read more

The review of this shop is quite split, but there is no doubt that this is such a cool place with a lot of wonderful products! We can spend hours looking around the products. The proprietor at first looked a bit scary, but he turned out to be so helpful and knowledgeable about antiques. I highly recommend the place! read more

Overwhelming amount of useless knickknacks, and even new things in an antique store. The service was horrid to say the least. The gentleman was very hostile and practically followed us through the store like we were going to steal something, and when we tried to make conversation he greeted it with anger and resentment. I wouldn't suggest go there to anyone unless you are looking for decor. read more

Was extremely disappointed with the way we were treated while visiting the Poland House. Although very nice things, the owner was rude and made us feel less than welcome. read more

I've been a huge fan of the Poland House for years. The owner is talented at putting together an eclectic mix of old and new products. He demonstrates how you could incorporate your Grandmother's treasures into your own home without it looking old. The music he plays throughout the store is wonderful and he sells the Cd's. My family and I usually spend at least an hour, because this is a two level Victorian house. Even when my children were young they would want to go shopping there. They were amazed at some of the kitchen gadgets. We've never seen so many things for sale in one place.The owner uses ever nook and cranny. The closets might have a display of vintage glass, or a selection of linens-old & new but in pristine condition. The owner is knowledgeable about antiques. It's not just milk glass it could be made in USA by Fenton closed in 2007, or that old crock that used to hold pickles could be used for your utensils-also made in USA by Hull, closed, or USA cookie jar, or bowl made McCoy also closed. Those pieces represent USA history, old fashion values and years of commitment to quality and the customer. Most of the antiques sold at the Poland House are highly collectible and hard to find. If you're looking for decorating, or restoration items - he has pieces that can't be found elsewhere. I've seen decorators use grouping of things for wall displays-like rolling pins, or cookie cutters, trivets...I love going to decorator show houses for ideas. I've seen so many great ideas like:a crazy quilt hung on the wall, the baby's room with a framed vintage baby dress. A kitchen that had an impressive collections of old bean pots on top of the cabinets. A garden shed with a collection of old watering cans. A man cave with beer steins and an old copper water tank being re-purposed for beer making. I love the old flyer sled next to my door. All of the above could be found at the Poland House. Here's a small list of what I've purchased: RRP blue sponge mixing bowl, pyrex bakeware, corning mixing bowls, dip mixes, all cotton towels, Victorian lamp, cast iron fry pan by Griswold already seasoned to perfection, red glassware, trivets, old sled, vintage puzzles, games and toys, hand mixer, platter, CD's, salt & pepper shakers....etc. The dip mixes are fantastic-try the lemon cheesecake dip mix-better yet, buy the mix and a vintage dish. Together they make the perfect host/hostess gift. Recycle/re purpose. It's well worth the visit. I've never really thought about my phone when I'm there, but I can see why people would want to share their experience. It's amazing!!! read more

My friend visiting from Germany and I were visiting one of our friends in Poland for the first time (we had never been there before), and we made a wrong turn and tried to turn around at this place -- I thought it was a very lovely shop from the outside at the very least. Just as soon as we pulled in, a gruff man quickly marched up to my driver's window and started screaming at us for turning around in the driveway. He threatened to turn in our license plate number to the police and have us pay a fine -- we were both taken aback... it's a driveway for a business...? Based on other reviews on this place, I would dare say to not visit this place unless you want to be yelled at for one reason or another. read more

Incredible experience! The shop is loaded with inventory. The lighting is incredible, with so many options! The shop owner was friendly and helpful. I can't wait to return! read more

My sister and I took a road trip on a cold winter day to The Poland House and was greeted by a very nice man shoveling off the steps. To our surprise walking through the door we were amazed by all the beautiful lamps, lights, owls, Christmas decorations, antiques, glass ware and the list goes on! We would recommend this antique store to everyone. This is a place full of little treasures! Home away from Home! Cindy and Patty read more

OK, so I am not a shopper, but I made an exception to stop here because, well, it was cute. I think I was there for an hour. The service was amazing, the hospitality excellent, the selection eclectic and it was just fun. It is a large old house full, and I mean FULL of stuff. You would expect, or I would expect, not very good stuff out in the middle of no-where, but it was nice stuff. Don't be put off if you walk in and think oh, this _____ is not my style, keep hunting, there is something for every style hidden away here, and the owner really knows what he has and where it is. He even has a Christmas section, bears, linens, bling, treats, lots of birds, flowers, msc. types of decor. Really, you should just stop here. If you like to shop, so much the better. read more

I literally made a yelp just to rate this place 1 star. The service sucks ass and the antiques are ass and are overpriced. The only man working there followed us the entire time and tried to force us out of the store. Incredibly rude read more

We stopped here on the way home from our annual camping trip at Papoose Pond. Upon entry, we were amazed at how much was there, a bit overwhelmed, actually. We spent several minutes looking around when we heard a male voice, commenting on something we had said. The owner was sitting behind a counter where we could not see him. and startled us. I guess we expected to be greeted upon our arrival. It was all downhill from there. We took a lot of time looking around and were followed around as though we were petty thieves. He literally sat there and watched my every move. Without speaking a word. And when we went upstairs, he followed us. All without saying a word. It was really, really uncomfortable. We found most of the merchandise to be overpriced...I was considering purchasing a small clock and left it on the counter while I continued to look around, and when I was ready to check out with a few small items, I told him I had changed my mind about the clock. Without speaking a word, he unwrapped the clock and put it aside...the look on his face was pure disdain. Never said a word to us from that point on (not that he said very much to begin with) My friend said, "You have a beautiful store here." I said, "Yes, it is really amazing!" He said not a word. No "Thank you." No, "Hope to see you again." No, "Goodbye, have a nice day"...nothing! He did not even look up! I have never seen anything like it. We were perfectly courteous and friendly, bought a few things, and were treated like lepers. On the way to our car, we looked at one another and said, almost simultaneously, "Never again." We will never go there again. It was an incredibly unpleasant experience. read more