They met in Paris. She was studying abroad from a quiet college in Virginia. He, born and raised in the Netherlands. Their paths crossed in a city known for its beauty—and somehow, among its cobblestone streets and café-lined corners, something lasting began.

Tara and Ben were twenty. Young enough to be fearless, old enough to dream.

“We didn’t think we were so young then,” Tara reflected, “but now we really think we were really young.”

Their story unfolded across countries and time zones. What began with handwritten letters and long-distance calls became a life shaped by shared vision. They opened their first shop overseas—a small space filled with French provincial tableware, soft linens, and antique treasures gathered on road trips through the South of France.

“Tara always had a passion for French provincial tableware and table linens,” Ben recalled. “So we would drive our car from the Netherlands to the South of France and fill it up… and display it the best we could.”

Eventually, they brought their dream home to Virginia. Crème de la Crème was no longer a passion project abroad—it had taken root.

What followed was a move to a small town, a yard full of boxes, and a leap of faith.

“We were lucky to find a little place in Middleburg, Virginia… and that was really the start of Crème de la Crème.”

Now, more than 25 years later, the shop stands as a living reflection of what they’ve built. It has grown, but its essence remains unchanged. What began with two people and a shared love for timeless beauty has become a beloved destination.

Customers return not just for the objects, but for the atmosphere—for the sense of welcome, the thoughtfulness, the quiet invitation to linger.

Crème de la Crème is not just a store. It’s a legacy. Built on instinct, shaped by devotion, and carried by the enduring belief that beauty—when done well—can last a lifetime.