Monday, June 6, 2011

THE ULTIMATE ESTATE SALE



The Southampton Fresh AIr Home, an incredible  summer camp for physically challenged children, hosts the Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sale (DDD) every June at the camp in Southampton. The DDD has become quite the go-to event, with a treasure trove of estate items that have been donated throughout the year from posh local estates and decorators for sale at amazing prices. You never know what you will find: vintage boats, a Steinway piano or a Venetian canopy bed-they have all been for sale at the DDD. (One year I brought home a hand painted Babar cupboard, rocking chair and toy chest that Charlotte Ford had commissioned for her grandchildren!) 




Furniture, art, table ware and linens are all displayed in beautiful vignettes in tents and the children dorms. Nearly a dozen rooms were installed over several weeks with new items coming in at the last minute that needed to be displayed and prices tagged on every item. As a proud Board Member and decorator myself, I spent two days filling bookcases and curios and arranging tables capes. It was great fun, and of course, I got a sneak peek of all the fabulous items for sale!






The doors open at five for the big ticket holders with a sociable line forming at four. If you are looking to furnish a new summer home, this is the time to get to the event!  When the doors open, quiet chaos reigns, with husband/ wife or decorator/client teams scouring the grounds with buying lists in hand.  For those just looking for a fun evening, cocktails and h'ordourves are served in the main school house with a great wine auction.


I almost always come home with something fantastic, but this year was the one that got away...a beautiful Essex piano. There's always next year!

10 comments:

Splendid Sass said...

Wow...now that is an estate sale, and for such a good cause!
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

Looks like a lot of fun and for such a good cause!

Unknown said...

What a great resource to know about. Love good things for a good cause!

The enchanted home said...

Wow thats the ultimate combination, an abudance of gorgeous things and all for a good cause. Love it!

Hamptontoes said...

Barbara,
This looks fabulous and every year I say I'm going and every year I'm not there! I love shopping for a cause, makes everyone happy!

Barbara@HausDesign said...

That looks like my kind of sale! I love not knowing what I will find and then being thrilled at the unique treasures that come home with me, and even better when it's for such a worth cause. I just found your blog - it looks amazing. I look forward to following along!

http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/

quintessence said...

Wow - what a fabulous event - and love that it's for a great cause as well - the perfect combination!

Gary Lawrance said...

I always go every year and have found the best things! Put it on you calendar for next year. Don't miss the Parrish Art Museum Thanksgiving weekend sale,It's just as good.

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Now that's a good reason to shop! What you take home is the finial on the bright idea! :) XO, Kelly

Kathleen said...

Several of my friends volunteer and work the sale. I was supposed to,but we had an event to attend.
Look for me there next year!
Kathleen
Southampton, NY