If you’re looking for antique shops in Magaliesburg, most routes involve a lot of driving between stops. Ours involves a lot of walking between rooms.
MelonRouge is home to several vintage shops on one estate in Magaliesburg, about an hour from Johannesburg. You can lose a whole morning here without moving the car, and stop for lunch in the middle of it. This is how we’d tackle it.
Start with coffee
Seriously. Hunting on an empty stomach leads to bad decisions and impatience. Grab a coffee at The Eatery first and give your eyes time to adjust to the details.
BlueCheese Antiques: furniture and collectibles
BlueCheese Antiques is the heart of the hunt. Expect Victorian, Edwardian, retro and farmhouse pieces side by side, from furniture to the smaller things that give a home character: silverware, porcelain, old maps and vintage cameras.
Stock changes constantly because every piece is one of a kind. If you see something you love, don’t count on it being there next month.
Look for: a statement piece of furniture, or one small object with a story you’ll enjoy telling.
WormWood Books: second-hand and rare books
Antique hunters are usually book people too. WormWood Books is full of second-hand and rare finds, with a soft spot for Africana, history, fiction and the stranger end of the shelves. Old books make beautiful objects on their own, even before you open them.
AvoRecords: vintage vinyl you can play
Vinyl is the antique you get to use every day. AvoRecords buys, sells and trades records, from classic rock, jazz and blues to South African pressings that are getting harder to find. Read more in our guide to vinyl records in South Africa.
TangyDressing: vintage clothing and accessories
TangyDressing is our vintage boutique for retro clothing and accessories. It’s a good place to find the jacket or bag nobody else will be wearing.
Artichoke Gallery: the antiques of tomorrow
Today’s local art is tomorrow’s heirloom. Artichoke Gallery shows work by local artists, and you’ll find pieces around the estate too. Buying art directly from the region is one of the best ways to own something original.
Antique collecting tips for beginners
- Buy what you love. Resale value is a bonus. If a piece makes you happy every time you see it, it’s worth it.
- Check the joinery. On furniture, dovetail joints and hand-cut details usually point to older, handmade work rather than mass production.
- Look underneath and inside. Maker’s marks, stamps and old labels often hide on the bottom of porcelain, silver and drawers.
- Measure before you come. Bring the dimensions of the space you’re shopping for. It saves a lot of heartache (and an awkward drive home).
- Ask questions. We’re a family business and happy to tell you what we know about a piece.
Ready to hunt? We’re open every day from 08:00 to 17:00. Visit BlueCheese Antiques, or WhatsApp us if you’re looking for something specific. Making a day of it? See our Magaliesburg day trip itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Are there antique shops in Magaliesburg?
Yes. BlueCheese Antiques is at MelonRouge on T2 Bekker Schools Rd in Magaliesburg, alongside WormWood Books, AvoRecords, the TangyDressing vintage boutique and Artichoke Gallery, all on one estate.
What does BlueCheese Antiques sell?
Victorian, Edwardian, retro and farmhouse furniture, plus smaller collectibles such as silverware, porcelain, old maps and vintage cameras. Every piece is one of a kind, so stock changes all the time.
Is Magaliesburg good for vintage shopping near Johannesburg?
Yes. Magaliesburg is roughly an hour from Johannesburg, and at MelonRouge you can browse antiques, books, records, vintage clothing and local art in one place, then have lunch in the garden.
When is BlueCheese Antiques open?
The shops at MelonRouge are open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
