By Megan Richcreek-
Nestled adjacent to Mill Valley's historic and beloved El Paseo restaurant, a brick, Carmel-inspired nook dating back to 1948 which has since closed, is one jewel box your eyes can feast on. The Estate Sale opened just a few months ago and has since been a hit with passers-by strolling along Mill Valley's Throckmorton Avenue.
The Estate Sale, also a real estate office, boasts quite a collection of keepsakes and antiques acquired from estates and brought in daily. Items range from an I.Magnin dress and mink hat to miscellaneous buttons, hotel silver, antique furniture, vintage books and beaded handbags. The shop also acts as a gallery, featuring paintings by artist Denis McNicoll. There is such an array of items in the shop, both men and women would enjoy browsing the tables and shelves to find a unique piece. Encased in brick and ivy, the Estate Sale is old and new world combined; luxurious, yet casual. A Carmel look with a Mill Valley attitude.
An eclectic mixture of what you would consider an antique shop and estate sale in the traditional sense, the Estate Sale on Throckmorton is friendly and un-pretentious. 
Customers, local or not, stroll in at their leisure and are met with a friendly hello and an almost daunting amount of sparkling treasures filling every space. And the prices? Reasonable. Reasonable to the point that you almost have to ask to make sure the price on the tag is correct. The items do range in price however, from small items to larger pieces like furniture that peak into the hundreds. Step in for a chat, or maybe some real estate advice, and walk away with a treasure!
The shop is run by Marin local Rita Richcreek. Both a Real Estate agent and keepsake collector, Rita is the friendly face you will see daily at the shop. Rita, having lived in Tiburon and Mill Valley, knows the history and the people. Rita is one Marin-savvy gal. Rita decided to open this shop to give Mill Valley residents (and visitors) something new and different.
The Estate Sale, quite simply, is a shop worth stepping into.
- Located at 15 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Street parking available.
- Open Monday-Sunday 12pm-6pm (Hours may vary)
- Call for info: (415) 971-5329 or (415) 381-1551
Congratulations Rita on your new store! I simply must tell everyone...if you know Rita as I do, she will have collected THE BEST THINGS EVER in Marin for you to purchase. You simply have to visit the store. She has a great eye, Exuberant Panache and really knows What's hot. Quickly tell your friends, but don't wait visit the store immediately. Hugs and Kisses! Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Flynn Estheimer | Friday, March 12, 2010 at 02:02 PM
Just wanted to add my continued Best Wishes to Rita for creating such a charming and delightful gem in the middle of my favorite town, Mill Valley. Just stepping inside The Estate Sale affords one a journey back in time ... prior to cell phones, texting and IPhones. I can promise you that you will feel refreshed as I certainly was.
See you soon Madame Rita! Love, Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne Heller | Monday, March 15, 2010 at 10:19 AM