SEQUIM — For more than two decades, Over the Fence has been an anchor in downtown Sequim.
Now the owners of the business at 112 E. Washington St., Jeri and Fran Sanford, are looking to retire.
“For four years, we’ve had a two-year plan to head toward retirement,” Jeri Sanford said. “Over the Fence is an exciting business, and [the plan] has been difficult to implement.”
The store opened Oct. 1, 1996, and was first labeled “an inside store with an outside feel” by a Sequim Gazette business story written soon after opening.
Now it’s been listed by Realogics/Sotheby’s International Realty of Bainbridge Island for $1.855 million to purchase the property by one of the busiest intersections in town.
Jeri Sanford said it “seemed like the right time to put it out there and see if that wonderful person is out there who has an exciting vision of where to take the business.”
“We’d be seeking just the right fit,” she said.
Over the Fence started in the southwest corner of the current store in about a 1,200-square-foot space formerly occupied by a tea and coffee shop. It sat between the Gull Gas Station and the Sundown Saloon.
The Sanfords bought the coffee shop building a year later and expanded into the bar’s space, a 1927 building, about 10 years ago.
In total, the retail space includes more than 4,500 square feet for furnishings and goods from the U.S. and the rest of the world including art, lamps, rugs, furniture, pots, bamboo clothes and more.
Sotheby’s retailers say Over the Fence generates more than $1 million in annual sales, too.
The Sanfords also added an upstairs apartment in 2010 that totals 1,200 square feet that includes a rooftop gathering area that looks upon downtown and the mountains.
A 10-spot parking lot is included behind the store.
Growing business
When she started, Jeri Sanford said the location was practically “invisible” but it grew by word-of-mouth.
“People love coming,” she said.
“We are a destination now. People come from far away just to go to business with us. We are known for quality home furnishings at good prices.”
In their 20 years with the business, Jeri has worked all aspects of the store and Fran focused on its accounting side after selling his Sanford Irrigation to his nephews David and Travis Cowan.
Jeri’s proud of keeping the business healthy, especially in tough economic times.
“To prosper in the retail business in these times, the business has to be good because there’s so much out there, especially with the internet,” she said.
Currently, the couple employ six people, including their daughter, Emily, who has worked there more than 15 years.
“It’s a fun place to work,” Jeri Sanford said.
Following a sale, the Sanfords plan to split more time between her native Vancouver Island, B.C., and Sequim.
“I turned 66 this year, and it’s a big deal,” Jeri said. “I’ve got other things I’d like to do, like travel, volunteer and maybe do some consulting.”
To view the listing, visit www.bainbridgelivin.com/over-the-fence.
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Matthew Nash is a reporter with the Olympic Peninsula News Group, which is composed of Sound Publishing newspapers Peninsula Daily News, Sequim Gazette and Forks Forum. Reach him at mnash@sequimgazette.com.
Over the Fence recently was listed for $1.855 million through Sotheby’s International out of Bainbridge Island. Owners Jeri and Fran Sanford, fourth and fifth from left, have operated their Sequim business for 20 years. From left, staff includes Katy Nichols, Bergen Carey, Emily Underwood, Jeri and Fran Sanford and Joanie May. Not pictured are Iris Edey, Cathy Lopes and Chris Biedermanngarde. (Kelvin Hughes Productions)
