Joe Carlton, aged 11, was very, very upset. His grandma’s dolls’ house, which he cherishes and has decorated and looked after, has been given to his cousin. Joe’s outrage prompted him to write to the Managing Director of The Dolls House Emporium, as his favourite dolls’ house is the authentic 1:12th scale collectors’ house called Oak Hurst Gardens ‘because it looks so modern’

Sympathising with Joe’s predicament, and prompted by the Government’s recent commitment to promote traditional toys to develop all-important social skills, Jackie Lee arranged for Joe to be presented with an Oak Hurst Gardens QuickStyle dolls’ house as a special early Christmas present, on Monday 19th November at the company’s headquarters on High Holborn Road, Codnor Gate Business Park, Ripley, Derbyshire.

Joe is interested in interior design and could even be a budding architect. In assembling his fully-painted dolls’ house, he will be developing his manual dexterity and three-dimensional understanding, as well as his creativity in choosing his interiors. All these elements encourage a self of achievement which in turn, of course, develops self esteem and confidence - so important for young people today.

Joe and his family were delighted to receive a VIP tour of The Dolls House Emporium headquarters in Ripley, Derbyshire, followed by a ‘power lunch’ with Managing Director Jackie Lee and her creative team. A most enjoyable pre-Christmas treat for the whole family.

Don’t miss out ! It’s your last chance to take part in the largest ever dolls’ house auction, on Sunday December 2nd at The Dolls House Emporium shop in Ripley, Derbyshire.

Viewing is from 10am - 12.30pm, and the auction starts at 1pm - bidding is sure to be fast and furious as everyone battles for the bargains.

If you weren’t lucky enough to be at the first auction last Saturday, here are some great photos to whet your appetite.

Collectors of all ages flocked from all areas of the country to get the dolls’ house of their dreams. One lucky lady, Janet Molner of Swadlincote bought four fantastic houses at unbelievable prices. This Sunday we have even more amazing lots, that could be sold for a fraction of their original asking price and are guaranteed to make your most wonderful Christmas ever!

Calling all bargain hunters! There’s something very special happening at The Dolls House Emporium shops in Ripley, Derbyshire and Houghton Hall Garden Centre in Carlisle…

On Saturday December 1st, we have limited quantities of QuickStyle Dolls Houses at an incredible HALF PRICE….yes that’s right…HALF PRICE!

This is strictly a first come - first served offer in these two shops only, and once you’ve got the dolls house of your dreams, on Saturday the 8th we have HALF PRICE dolls, and on Saturday the 15th HALF PRICE furniture and accessories.

Shops open at 10am, so get there early for the biggest bargains. All offers are limited quantities. Don’t miss out, make this your most magical Christmas ever!

For an easy to follow guide to building your Dolls House Emporium collectors’ kit, visit our Masterclasses page and take a look at our fourth Video Masterclass. Clear step - by - step instructions explain just how easy it is to get great results from your kit.

Channel 4 television are looking for contributors to take part in an award winning documentary series looking at family life in the UK. The producers are very interested in talking to families who collect things - and in particular 1:12th scale dolls’ houses. They are looking to talk to families with children still in the home.

If you are interested in taking part in the programme please contact Phil McCullough on 0207 013 4206, or email philip.mccullough@rdfmedia.com