Magazine Home
Stories and Treasures
Estate Sale, Thur-Sat, June 5-7


Español
June 1, 2025

by Scott Allison

Estate sales in San Miguel aren't just about selling items. They're about closing one chapter and opening another, whether due to life changes, relocation, or the passing of a loved one. These sales become moments of reflection on the lives lived within these homes.

What makes estate sales particularly fascinating here is that while familiar to expats, estate sales are relatively new to local Mexican residents, who show growing interest after each event. They've become gathering places, bringing together different communities over shared appreciation for beautiful objects and their stories.

As owners of Estate Sales of San Miguel, my partner Evan and I bring years of experience and genuine passion to this work. We've witnessed firsthand how these sales create meaningful connections. We see the curiosity in the eyes of Mexicans as they discover this new way of finding treasures. Then, of course, there is the immense satisfaction of helping families transition through difficult times while ensuring their cherished possessions find appreciative new homes. In a service we love providing, we get to meet the most interesting and incredible people that San Miguel has to offer.

A Treasure Trove Awaits

Our Vista Antigua Sale (June 5-7, by appointment) features a lifelong collection of vintage and antique Mexican handcrafts and religious art. This rare opportunity showcases quality collectibles in one location, all carefully chosen with passion over many years.

The collection comes from an Austin, Texas couple who owned Mi Casa Gallery, a landmark Mexican and Latin American handcrafts store on Congress Avenue there. Their discerning eye and decades of collecting created an extraordinary assemblage that tells the story of Mexican artisanship. When Evan and I first walked through their San Miguel home, we were amazed by the depth and quality of their collection—each piece carefully selected and lovingly displayed.

What Makes This Sale Unique

The sale will feature an impressive array of pieces that showcase Mexico's rich artistic heritage:

Vintage Tourist Pottery: A large collection from Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, Mexico, including several rare pieces in pristine condition and coveted Fantasia style pieces that collectors prize.

Religious and Folk Art: Beautiful antique Mexican Retablos that represent the deep spiritual and artistic traditions of Mexican folk culture.

Master Craftsmanship: Finely crafted furniture by master furniture maker Miguel Martínez, including a remarkable copy of one of Frida Kahlo's kitchen hutches—a piece that bridges art history with functional beauty.

Ceramics and Textiles: Gorgeous Santa Rosa Mexican pottery and several beautiful rugs from Persia and Afghanistan, showing how collectors often blend Mexican pieces with complementary international works.

More Than Just Shopping

For those navigating the emotional weight of an estate sale, our services provide invaluable efficiency, helping to clear out a home swiftly while ensuring that valuable items find new owners who appreciate them. But for buyers, estate sales offer something deeper. They're treasure hunts that reveal fascinating mixes of personal history and local craftsmanship.

In our experience organizing these sales, we've learned that high-end estate sales like this one often feature Spanish colonial furniture, hacienda-style décor, and rare collectibles, making them a treasure trove for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a seasoned collector familiar with Tlaquepaque pottery or someone just discovering the beauty of Mexican folk art, these sales offer pieces with stories embedded in them.

Ultimately, estate sales in San Miguel seem to be more than just transactions. They bring together longtime foreign residents, recent arrivals, and curious Mexicans, all united by appreciation for the artistry and stories that make each piece special. Evan and I feel privileged to facilitate these connections and help preserve the legacy of beautiful objects while introducing them to new admirers.

***

The Vista Antigua sale runs June 5-7th by appointment. Contact Evan Bernstein at Estate Sales of San Miguel (info on website) directly for scheduling and additional details about this exceptional collection.

Estate Sales of San Miguel:
https://www.estatesalesofsanmiguel.com/

More Vista Antigua photos & map/location information:
(This link will be updated while the sale is in process as to item availability.)
https://www.estatesalesofsanmiguel.com/mexican-antiques-in-vista-antigua

**************

Scott Allison is a spirited five-year resident of San Miguel. Equal parts connoisseur, party enthusiast, and social butterfly, he can be found at the heart of the city's most exciting gathering... glass in hand and story at the ready. When not discovering hidden gems, he's walking his dog through the colorful streets, making connections, and collecting experiences that reflect the true essence of San Miguel living.

**************
*****

Please contribute to Lokkal,
SMA's online collective:

***

Discover Lokkal:
Watch the two-minute video below.
Then, just below that, scroll down SMA's Community Wall.
Mission

Wall


Visit SMA's Social Network

Contact / Contactar

Subscribe / Suscribete  
If you receive San Miguel Events newsletter,
then you are already on our mailing list.    
Click ads

Contact / Contactar


copyright 2025