McNallys launch Rancho Santa Fe Estate Auctions
Connie and Bill McNally, internationally known antique dealers in Rancho Santa Fe, recently announced the launch of their new venture, McNally’s RSF Estate Auctions. The first auction, set for June 21-22 at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, will offer an array of antiques, designer furniture, paintings and objets d’art from some of the finest homes in Southern California. A portion of profits will benefit local charities.
The McNallys, who will continue to own and operate McNally Company Antiques, their longtime shop on Paseo Delicias in the Village of Rancho Santa Fe, say they decided to add estate sale auctions because more and more clients, many with large homes in Rancho Santa Fe, either want to downsize or update the home’s interior design. Disposing of a lifetime of possessions can become problematic.
“People who are scaling back often have large pieces that they’ve had in the family for years, and their kids don’t want them, they’re into more modern things,” says Connie. “Our clients want these treasured possessions to go to a good home because they are part of their family’s heritage.”
Adds Bill: “Clients tell me ‘I’d rather sell the pieces now because if something happens to us, our kids won’t know what the values are, and they’ll give them away.’” Better, say the McNallys, to enjoy the extra money now, perhaps take a trip, or invest it for the future.
“The beauty of antiques, particularly, is passing it down,” says Connie. “It is art history to begin with, and you are only a steward of it for a certain amount of time. Whether we sell an item in our shop, or at auction, it goes into the hands of someone else who loves and desires it.”
Another advantage to selling at auction, the McNallys say, is to save often hefty storage fees. Bill tells the story of a couple who put many of their possessions in storage more than 20 years ago when they moved from La Jolla to Rancho Santa Fe. “I’ve paid $40,000 in storage,” the man told Bill. “And I have no idea in the world what’s there.” His wife still can’t bear to part with anything, so those costs will likely mount.
Auctions have been around since the 16th century, and have been extremely successful, says Bill, for a simple reason: “People love the idea of finding a bargain.” Bidders include collectors, interior designers, and those who need to furnish a new or second home. “They’re looking for that special piece,” says Connie, “that hidden treasure.”
McNally’s RSF Estate Auctions will offer antiques, high-end contemporary furniture from Baker and other fine furniture makers, and, especially “hot” right now, mid-century pieces from the 1950s through the 1970s. “You never know what’s going to come in the door,” says Bill. Adds Connie: “It’s exciting. It’s always a treasure hunt.”
Previews for the McNally’s inaugural auction are Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club, 17025 Avenida De Acacias in Rancho Santa Fe. The auction will be held on Saturday, June 21, beginning at 10 a.m., and on Sunday, June 22, beginning at 1 p.m. For more information about consigning a single item or an entire estate, contact the McNally’s RSF Estate Auctions at (858) 756-2701, mcnallyauctions@gmail.com, or www.rsfauctions.com.