Orefield residents recently welcomed a new primitive and country store to their community.

Barn Swallow opened its doors Oct. 2 at the former Country Barn, 2895 Township Line Road.

Owner Kate Hydro, who was raised in Mohnton, Berks County, and graduated from Holy Name High School in Wyomissing, said she began preparing in August for the store's opening.

Hydro, her husband, David, general manager for the Cracker Barrel, Frackville, and son Gavin, 2, live in Schuylkill Haven, Schuylkill County.

In her spare time, when she and her husband are not on the hunt for antiques, taking the family canoe out or hiking, she enjoys reading a good book.

"I use to seriously dream of how I could have a barn like this one, my own little shop," Hydro said. "I saw the barn when I came down here for my sister Erin's wedding in May. Then I was looking on Craiglist and came across it there."

Hydro said it is as if her late mother Mary Sue Weaver, who died in 2009, helped her find the barn.

"My mother always dreamed of owning a little shop," Hydro said. "She liked country primitive décor and would always like to use her imagination.

"It is exciting because I get to do what she dreamed of and wanted to do."

Hydro explained how she chose the name for the store.

"I wanted to incorporate the fact we were in a beautiful barn. My friend's mother, Vicki Troutman, came up with the name," Hydro said. "She said barn swallows are constantly in and out of the barn.

"And, I want this to be a gathering place with the same feeling, with people coming and going, checking in, seeing what's new, discovering old memories and making new one, and enjoying a cup of coffee, which is always free."

The store offers customers some familiar styles as well as some fresh perspectives on styles of merchandise.

Hydro, who has been collecting antiques for eight years, said her store features antiques, vintage, country and primitive décor, McCall's candles, decorative pillows and linens, holiday decorations, and handcrafted and handpainted furniture, stools and Melissa and Doug Toys.

Prior to opening Barn Swallow, she sold vintage revival merchandise on the website Etsy.

"It is pretty exciting to see previous customers come in for the first time since it's been reopened and see how excited they are the barn is back open," Hydro said. "We will be having an open house from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 16, 17, 23 and 24."

Barn Swallow is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, call 610-530-2276.