What You’ll Find at a Vermont Estate Sale to Capture the Heart of New England Vintage Style

Tag along with me to a Vermont estate sale tucked inside a charming old farmhouse in the historic town of Arlington, once home to Norman Rockwell himself.

With its slate roof, leaning floors, farmhouse porch, and old-fashioned kitchen, this country home was brimming with vintage antiques and unique treasures.

It was the kind of treasure hunt that perfectly captures the heart of New England vintage style.

What Is a Vermont Estate Sale and What Can You Expect to Find?

A Vermont estate sale typically takes place when the contents of an entire home, often a charming older property like a farmhouse or historic residence, are offered for sale. These estate sales are especially common throughout New England and are often filled with vintage treasures, antiques, and one-of-a-kind decor.

Professional companies like Bob Burgess Estate Sales organize and run the sales, handling pricing, staging, and advertising. Vermont estate sales usually take place over a weekend, with early morning sign-up sheets for collectors, antique dealers, and vintage lovers hoping to score the best finds first.

From hand-thrown pottery and farmhouse furniture to old books, kitchenware, and vintage artwork, estate sales in Vermont offer a true slice of New England style. Crowds can build quickly, so it’s worth arriving early, or stopping by on the final day when many items are marked down 50% or more.

Where to Find Vermont Estate Sales Worth the Drive

If you’re wondering where to find the best Vermont estate sales, you’re not alone. Whether you’re visiting for leaf-peeping season or you’re a local on the hunt for vintage treasures, estate sales in Vermont are often quietly advertised, but so worth discovering.

Many are hosted by estate sale professionals like Bob Burgess Estate Sales, who regularly post upcoming sales online. You can also browse EstateSales.net, Facebook Marketplace, and local Vermont Facebook groups where sales are shared by word-of-mouth. Keep an eye out for hand-painted roadside signs too, some of the most charming sales aren’t even listed online.

Vermont’s small-town charm means that a quick weekend drive through the countryside could lead you to a hidden gem of a sale, especially in historic towns like Arlington, Woodstock, or Manchester.

What to Look for at a Vermont Estate Sale to Enhance Your New England Vintage Style

When you step into a Vermont estate sale, you’re stepping into history. These aren’t just weekend tag sales, they’re opportunities to uncover true antiques and generational treasures that have been lovingly passed down through New England families for decades, sometimes even centuries. In these old Vermont farmhouses, you’ll often find vintage and antique furniture that still bears the charm, patina, and craftsmanship of another time, often at prices far below what you’d pay in antique stores.

It’s this blend of authenticity, nostalgia, and affordability that sets a Vermont estate sale apart from sales elsewhere.

Here’s what to keep an eye out for as you browse these timeless country homes:

Antique Beds You’ll Find at a Vermont Estate Sale

From Jenny Lind beds and rope beds to brass and wrought iron frames, Vermont estate sales often reveal bedroom pieces that feel plucked from a vintage inn or historic farmhouse. You may even stumble upon carved wooden headboards and beds with spindle details, true classics in New England homes.

Farmhouse Furniture with Vintage New England Charm

Think weathered tables and chairs, ladder-back dining chairs, sideboards, and blanket chests with beautiful age and character. You might even come across vintage coffee tables, side tables, and the occasional vintage farmhouse sink tucked away in a barn or back room, pieces that speak to Vermont’s utilitarian yet enduring style.

Collectible Spongeware and Antique Crocks

Keep an eye out in kitchens, pantries, and even old cellar shelves. Spongeware bowls, crocks, and stoneware jugs are staples of New England vintage decor, often used for styling shelves, centerpieces, and hutches.

Vintage Artwork and Norman Rockwell Prints

You’ll often find landscape paintings, vintage portraits, or even Norman Rockwell prints tucked into these old homes, especially since Arlington, Vermont was once home to Rockwell himself. These pieces often reflect regional scenes and traditions, adding timeless charm to any space.

Old Books, Paper Goods, and Vintage Ephemera

From faded hardcover books to handwritten recipes and vintage postcards, old paper goods are full of character. They look beautiful styled on shelves, coffee tables, or layered into vignettes.

Vintage Glassware and Timeless Kitchen Treasures

Estate sales often offer collections of Pyrex, ironstone, cut glass, and enamelware, many in near-perfect condition. These pieces are perfect for everyday use or styling open shelves with vintage flair.

Outdoor Wicker Furniture for a Classic Vermont Porch

In Vermont, porch sitting is a way of life, and many of these estate sales feature vintage wicker rockers, settees, or worn-in porch chairs perfect for a sunroom or covered entryway. These pieces bring that cozy New England lifestyle right to your front door.

Even if you’re not sure where you’ll use a piece yet, trust your gut, some of the most meaningful decor comes from the items that simply speak to you. And the beauty of vintage decorating is that it doesn’t have to be perfect, just personal.

Come Along to a Vermont Estate Sale Full of Fall Charm and Vintage Finds

Ready to come treasure hunting with me? On a crisp fall morning in Arlington, Vermont, famous for its ties to Norman Rockwell, I stumbled upon a charming estate sale tucked inside an old country farmhouse. With leaves crunching underfoot and steam rising off my coffee cup, I stepped through the door into a space filled with vintage magic. I’ve even included a video of the walkthrough so you can feel like you’re right there with me!

From antique kitchenware to timeless New England furniture, this Vermont estate sale was packed with incredible pieces, and yes, I walked away with a few gems (and one big regret). Here’s what I found, what I paid, and whether I scooped it up or walked away.

Antique Farmhouse Table and Cane Chairs Spotted at the Sale

Price

Table with leaf: $125
Set of four cane chairs (including two armchairs): $75

Did I Buy It?

No, and I still think about it! As soon as I walked into the garage, this beautiful antique round farmhouse table caught my eye. It came with a center leaf for added length, making it a versatile piece for a breakfast nook, sunroom, or cozy porch. The set of cane chairs, with their curved armrests and classic character, completed the look perfectly.

Though I didn’t bring it home, this is exactly the kind of affordable, charming vintage furniture you can expect to find at a Vermont estate sale. Can’t you just picture it styled with a gingham tablecloth and a vase of wildflowers in a classic New England country home?

Pair of Antique Jenny Lind Twin Beds That Got Away

Price

$45 each, an absolute steal for antique charm!

Did I Buy It?

No, and yes, I still regret it. On the other side of the garage sat two beautiful antique Jenny Lind twin beds, complete with classic spindle details and that nostalgic cottage-style silhouette. Priced at just $45 each, they were truly a prize find at this Vermont estate sale.

Why didn’t I buy them? Simply because I didn’t have a use for two twin beds at the time, though I tried to justify it! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know I recently found a full-size Jenny Lind bed, which I’ll be sharing soon as we finish decorating our upstairs attic bedrooms in our coastal Maine home.

These beds are such timeless pieces, often passed down through generations in New England homes. I hope they ended up in a room where they’ll be well loved, maybe even with a child dreaming sweetly beneath those iconic spindles.

Grapevine Christmas Angels for Vintage Holiday Charm

Price

$2 each, a sweet little steal for holiday decorating!

Did I Buy It?

Yes, and I couldn’t resist! Just before leaving the garage, I stopped at a table filled with holiday treasures and spotted three grapevine Christmas angels that were just too adorable to pass up. Priced at only $2 apiece, they instantly gave me ideas for a simple, nature-inspired Christmas with a touch of vintage ski lodge flair.

I’m not quite sure what my Christmas decor will look like this year, but these sweet angels will definitely make an appearance, likely paired with evergreen cuttings, vintage skis, and other New England holiday touches.

As I stepped out of the garage and onto the bright red floorboards of the front farmer’s porch, I was greeted by an inviting scene of brown rattan wicker furniture and collected treasures. Entering through the front door, I was transported back in time, the old-fashioned kitchen was pure Vermont farmhouse magic. I could almost smell the homemade bread and hear the soup bubbling on the stove while the pot belly stove warmed the pantry nook.

Moments like this are why I’ll always say: there’s nothing quite like a Vermont estate sale.

Oversized Vintage Spongeware Bowl with RRP Roseville Marking

Price

$65, a steal for its size and collectible value!

Did I Buy It?

Yes, and it’s already styled as a fall centerpiece. I spotted this extra-large vintage spongeware bowl on the kitchen counter and knew it had to come home with me. It was marked RRP Co. Roseville, Ohio U.S.A. #700-P, a sign of authentic American pottery craftsmanship. Though $65 might sound like a splurge at an estate sale, this size of collectible spongeware is increasingly rare, and worth every penny.

The RRP Company (Robinson Ransbottom Pottery) operated from the early 1900s through 2005, surviving even the Great Depression. Now that the company is no longer in operation, their pieces, especially spongeware, are becoming more sought-after by collectors and vintage lovers alike.

Once I returned home, I filled this gorgeous bowl with apples and set it on our dining room table as a cozy fall centerpiece, a simple and stunning nod to New England farmhouse style.

Barely Used Blue Le Creuset Spaghetti Pot

Price

$30, a fantastic deal for this high-end cookware!

Did I Buy It?

Yes, and I couldn’t wait to use it. Sitting next to the spongeware bowl on the kitchen counter was this barely used blue Le Creuset spaghetti pot, and for just $30, it was an easy yes. I quickly added it to my growing pile on the porch table marked “sold”, a satisfying estate sale ritual if there ever was one.

The following weekend, we put it to good use making our favorite spaghetti Bolognese recipe, and it felt so good to cook in something that had lived a life in another cozy kitchen before mine. These are the kinds of unexpected treasures that make Vermont estate sales so memorable, and practical too!

Vintage Print and “Joy of Cooking” Cookbook Found Upstairs

After making my way up the steep, creaky staircase, a signature of old Vermont farmhouses, I found myself in the home’s three antique-styled bedrooms. Each room was brimming with vintage charm, and a few special pieces caught my eye.

First, I picked up a worn copy of the “Joy of Cooking” cookbook, imagining it displayed in our baker’s pantry alongside rolling pins and classic baking tools. You can see more of that space in my post Vintage Rolling Pins: DIY Kitchen Cabinet Door Knobs.

Then, leaning against a bedroom wall, I spotted a framed antique print titled “The Age of Innocence.” Its soft pastel tones and delicate expression immediately spoke to me. I’ve since styled it into our small guest bedroom, which I’m currently decorating to feel like an old New England country inn. With its whimsical wallpaper, vintage pine furnishings, and this sweet little print, the room is becoming one of my favorite cozy corners in the house. Explore more in this 3 Wallpaper Bedroom Designs Emblematic of a Cozy Vermont Inn post.

A Facebook Marketplace Antique Sleigh Bed

Just last week, I added the perfect finishing touch to this space: a vintage queen-size sleigh bed I picked up through Facebook Marketplace. The drive took me along the backroads of Woodstock, Vermont, and the bed couldn’t be more fitting for this cozy guest bedroom. Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing more of this space soon as it comes together in true New England vintage style.

French Toile Fabric Found Tucked Away Upstairs

Price

$5

Did I Buy It?

Yes, and although I didn’t end up using it in my own home, I added it to my vintage booth where it quickly found a new life. I discovered this beautiful piece of French toile fabric folded neatly inside an upstairs closet before heading back down the steep staircase. There were about three to four yards of it, and at just five dollars, it was a total steal for anyone who loves decorating with vintage textiles.

Toile fabric, which means “linen cloth” or “canvas” in French, dates back to the 1700s and is known for its intricate pastoral scenes, often printed in colors like blue, green, or red over a cream or beige background. It’s a timeless fabric that works beautifully for making pillows, curtains, or other custom accents in a vintage or cottage-style home. Even though it didn’t quite work in our space, I knew someone else would love it as much as I did.

Vermont Estate Sale Reflections and Unexpected Finds

One of the things I love most about visiting a Vermont estate sale is imagining the story behind the home and the people who lived there. Every room, every object feels like a piece of someone’s personal history, and it always leaves me wondering, who were they, what was their life like, and what treasures did they leave behind?

At this particular country estate sale in Arlington, there were a few subtle clues that made me curious. Several items hinted at a possible connection to Disney, perhaps a career or a personal passion? I couldn’t quite make the connection, but the thought added another layer of mystery to the home’s story.

One of the more unusual displays was a large collection of colorful vintage yardsticks. Buckets and buckets of them, in all different colors and styles, were scattered throughout the sale. Were they collected over time from various shops? Were they part of a profession or hobby? I’m still not sure, but it was one of those fun and quirky estate sale moments that makes you pause and wonder.

If you’ve ever seen something similar at a sale, or have any ideas on the yardstick collection, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

How to Know When a Vintage Find Is Worth Bringing Home

One of the most common questions I get about estate sale shopping is, “How do you know what’s worth buying?” And honestly, the answer comes with time, experience, and a little bit of heart.

When I walk through a Vermont estate sale, I let my eye lead me first. I notice what pulls me in without even thinking. Sometimes it’s a color or shape. Other times, it’s a texture that reminds me of something from childhood or a piece I once passed up and regretted.

If you’re just starting out or still figuring out your vintage style, here are a few things I keep in mind before deciding whether or not to bring something home:

1. You haven’t seen one like it in a while

Whether it’s a large spongeware bowl or an unusual piece of furniture, scarcity matters. If it’s not something you regularly see at thrift stores or antique shops, take a closer look.

2. It’s made well and has good bones

Wobbly chairs and cracked dishes can still be beautiful, but I always check for structural integrity and signs of quality craftsmanship. If it feels solid and timeworn rather than just worn out, it’s usually a yes.

3. It fits your style or your space

Not every vintage piece needs to be practical, but it should feel like it belongs with the rest of your home. I ask myself: Will I actually use this, display this, or love looking at it every day?

4. The price feels fair

One of the best parts of Vermont estate sales is the pricing. Most items are marked to sell. If it feels like a good deal for the quality and character, I don’t hesitate too long.

5. I can’t stop thinking about it

If I walk away and find myself still imagining it on my table, in my guest room, or styled in a future blog post… that’s a clear sign. And yes, those are usually the ones I regret not buying.

In the end, estate sale shopping is part instinct, part curiosity, and part heart. You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes the best finds are the ones you never expected.

Final Thoughts on This Vermont Estate Sale Treasure Hunt

There’s something truly special about stepping inside a Vermont estate sale, the creaky floors, the history-filled rooms, and the sense that you’ve uncovered something meaningful from the past. Whether it’s a vintage cookbook, a spongeware bowl, or a bed you wish you hadn’t walked away from, these finds all hold stories that continue in our homes.

I hope this peek inside a real New England country estate sale has inspired you to look a little closer the next time you pass a handwritten yard sign or see a listing tucked into Facebook Marketplace. You never know what treasure might be waiting for you.

Let’s Keep the Vintage Inspiration Going

Have you ever scored something special at an estate sale, or passed up a piece you still think about today? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.

And if you love vintage home decor, New England charm, and seasonal estate sale adventures, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you don’t miss a post.

Until then, happy treasure hunting.

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