Treasures for Your Home at Wickford Antique Estate Liquidators

By day I’m just your average, full-time working mom of eight. I rise on the early side, grab a power walk, throw in some laundry, get dinner started, nudge my kids out the door to catch the bus and then head off to work. It may sound a bit too routine, and okay, even dull (well, life with eight kids is anything but dull!) but one thing that helps me stay energized and excited about life is my little addiction – I’m a house junkie.

This doesn’t mean I have a house full of junk – quite the opposite – my home is awash with cool, cozy and most of all, sentimental finds and collections so when I had the opportunity to check out Wickford Antique Estate Liquidators (WAEL), I was thrilled and definitely in my element.

Owners Pamela and Chester Chandronnet have been in the antique/ estate business for well over 30 years now and also have another location – their original store, located at 200 Ten Rod Road. Well-known for their hearty farm tables, both new and old, WAEL has evolved from the focus of Early American pieces to more of an International and Industrial collection.

“We’re definitely furniture people,” states a passionate Chester. “We buy pieces we like and that we think will work well in a wide variety of lifestyles.”

Walking through WAEL is like being on a treasure hunt. There is merchandise arranged in nearly every nook and cranny of the store, which used to be the original firehouse in Wickford making for a nice open flow when you’re perusing the hundreds of items waiting at every turn. The butcher-block tables are chunky and artful and a couple of the exotic displays of baskets from China would look great in front of the fireplace in my family room. The various finishes on the buffets, dressers, coffee and end tables range from rich cherry to gently worn chabby chic. A definite cornucopia for the eyes.

There are also plenty of interesting items for your outdoor living, such as gorgeous, solid teak Adirondack chairs made from old boats, (on my wish list for next spring) earthy troughs that would make perfect planters, dozens of colorful urns, soothing fountains and even some fun-loving Gargoyles and impressive Buddha statues.

Chester is the buyer and Pamela manages the business end of things at their stores. Their eclectic inventory comes from Chester’s keen eye at estate sales, both local and across the country, in addition to buying trips throughout the year. He has lots of experience with the well-known Sotheby and Christies fine art estate auctions, which is reflected in some of the distinct art pieces for sale.

I notice there’s some funky nautical decorations on hand as well – cobalt blue tuna floats, cast-iron bright red lobster door stoppers or paperweights, some crisp, hand painted table benches with a coastal flair to name a few. While there is definitely a presence of early-Americana and timeless antiques interspersed throughout the store, there are some cool industrial pieces made from sleek, stainless steel that would work well in a trendy loft or contemporary home. And one thing’s for sure, Pam and Chester aren’t afraid of color. Everything from the sturdy bookcases to side chairs and mantle decorations pop with bursts of fresh hues and stains, which add more depth and interest to the high-quality selection.

For anyone with the space who craves something a little bit artsy and exclusive, you might enjoy the six-foot hand-carved giraffe statue or a fabulous carousel horse – an original from Rocky Point.

The Ten Rod Road warehouse is like a museum, housing an antique helicopter as well as hundreds of other one-of-a-kind accessories and furniture pieces that you likely won’t find anyplace else. And in addition to buying and selling antiques and furniture, Chester is also in the appraisal business and can help you understand the value of your own piece in question. There are plenty of affordable finds as well as some pricey investment pieces at WAEL making for an interesting place to stop and peruse when you’re taking in a peaceful escape at Wickford Village.

If you’re a home junkie like I am, or crave exploring an interesting collection of creative and well-made goods and furniture for your home and yard, then don’t miss an opportunity to visit Pamela and Chester at either of their locations. With the holidays on tap, you might find a gift or two as well as find a treasure for your own home.