Furnishings Auctioned Off, But Not House

Richard and Sue Wright have auctioned off antique furniture, glass sets and even a boat.

But despite 12-hour bidding sessions Saturday and Sunday that attracted 1,600 people, the Wrights still own their 1896 Colonial-Revival mansion.

The auction resulted in the sale of every item that was up for bid except the house, which the Wrights have owned for 22 years.

Macon Brothers Auctioneers canceled the house auction when no bidders qualified. Bidders were required to preregister with the auction company, bring a certified check for $10,000 and present proof that they had prequalified for a mortgage.

The event was a “reserve” auction, in which the high bid is reduced to an offer. The Wrights would have had the right to accept or reject the bid.

Despite the failure to sell the house, Sue Wright said she and her husband still accomplished most of their goals by selling all the home’s furnishings.