Secret desk and slot machine among items up for auction before Villa Collina is demolished

People from as far as Utah and New York have their eyes on the Dec. 4 auction of items from Knoxville's largest home, Villa Collina.

The 40,000-square-foot mansion sits on eight acres along the Tennessee River a few miles from downtown. But it won't be there for long.

The owners plan to demolish the luxurious estate and divide the property into three lots for three homes, said broker Sharon Bailey, owner of the Ebenezer office of Realty Executives Associates and representative of the Villa Collina owners.

Before that can happen — likely in early 2022, according to Bailey — the auction will take place online through Furrow Auction Co.

"Unfortunately, the house has proven itself impractical as a single-family residence," Sam Furrow, owner of Furrow Auction Co., told Knox News. "What we're doing, at least, is sharing some of the heritage of Villa Collina and its memories for the whole community because a lot of people have been here over the years in various ways."

'Complex' auction has folks interested

This auction has proven to be the most "complex" for Furrow, who said he worked on the liquidation of World's Fairs in Knoxville and New Orleans.

Identifying and cataloging all the items have contributed to the complexity, he said.

Plus, access to the estate is limited, leading Furrow to provide shuttle buses from a nearby church to the home Dec. 1-3 so people can inspect the items.

Locals have shown interest in the auction because of the mansion's reputation, he said, while people beyond Tennessee are simply interested in “high-quality, luxury items."

The estate's collection of Sherle Wagner door handles and bathroom fixtures have drawn the most attention, he said.

Furrow said a second auction will be held at a later date to get rid of items that made the home "operational" — heating systems and vacuum systems, for example.

For now, Knox News is taking a look at some of the most interesting items included in the first online auction, which begins at 9 a.m. Dec. 4.

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Furrow said the first item on our list, a mechanical desk, is "the most interesting thing to me."

"I've never seen anything like it," he said.

Check out these unique items

Neoclassical-style mechanical desk - Lot 57

At first, this bleached mahogany and burl walnut furniture piece appears to be a table. But its mechanical design transforms the table into a desk with a pull-out chair.

Stained glass panel- Lot 70

This stained glass piece, which comes with lights, can add a splash of color to any room — that is, if you have space for something so large. The stained glass is 12 feet in diameter, according to the auction site.

Weber piano - Lot 35

Play the piano? This rosewood Weber could be for you. But even non-musicians can get use of the instrument, as the piano has been upgraded with Wi-Fi capabilities and a system that allows it to play itself.

Roman bust - Lot 112

This life-size Roman bust is among the unique art pieces included in the auction. If this sculpture is not for you, there are other Roman busts, sculptures, paintings and more in the Villa Collina collection.

Wellington sofa - Lot 335

Ready to feel like royalty? This black-and-white Wellington sofa, complete with bronze accents and blue upholstery, could be yours.

Slot machine - Lot 165

Test your luck by placing a bid on this unique item from the Villa Collina collection. The slot machine comes with tokens and is in working order "for entertainment purposes only," according to the auction site.

Brunswick pool table - Lot 185

You won't need tokens to play this pool table. The table uses leather pockets and comes with Villa Collina balls, a hanging light fixture and everything you need to practice your game.

Wine chandelier - Lot 210

If you enjoy fine wine, you might enjoy this chandelier in a bar area or wine cellar. The light fixture is in the shape of a grape vine, with glass leaves and gold grapes covering the bulbs.

Assorted patriotic items - Lot 294

A patriotic pot, print and puzzle is included in this assorted lot. Bid for your chance to own a limited edition teapot and 3D puzzle, both in the shape of the White House, as well as a a print of Abraham Lincoln.

Sherle Wagner bathroom fixtures - Lot 299 C

While the Sherle Wagner toilet almost looks too pretty to use, the accompanying sink is perfect for the princess in your life. A matching bidet with the same floral design also is included in the lot.

Gothic chairs - Lot 368

While the Wellington sofa looks like something a king might lounge in, these Victorian-style Gothic chairs are for the more-serious royal occasion. The six chairs also come with a cast iron planter to match.

Three-tier concrete fountain - Lot 413

Wish you could afford to buy and live in Villa Collina? Start with this fountain, adorned with lion heads and great for coin flipping and wish making.

Want to see the items for yourself?

No appointment is necessary to inspect the items in person before bidding.

Just park at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension at 800 S. Northshore Dr. and catch a shuttle bus to the estate.

Buses will run continuously from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 1-3. The online auction begins at 9 a.m. Dec. 4.

For more information about the auction and to view all the items online, visit furrow.com.

Ryan Wilusz: Knoxville's downtown explorer and urban reporter
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Villa Collina auction includes 'luxury' items from Knoxville mansion