The much-disputed future of the Oakwell Estate in Villanova looks increasingly grim for former owner (and now rental tenant) John Bennett. He’s putting its treasured contents up for auction today, Apr. 24, as reported by Alyana Gomez for 6abc.

The 1922 estate has been at the center of controversy for months, with both Villanova University and Lower Merion School District interested in its acreage.

Auctioneers from Material Culture in Philadelphia are handling the event, organized by Bennett. Its announcement lists some of the available items:

• Classical-style urns and statuary
• Antique garden furniture
• Fine art and decorations
• Oenological accouterments from the onsite wine cellar

“There are some items that are for a tag sale and the other items are listed for auction on Monday,” Bennett told 6abc. “I bought the items on my travels throughout the world.”

The real treasure, according to Bennett is the site itself, whose sentimental value may outweigh its economic worth.

“My son died, and he’s buried in the back,” Bennett reflected. “The house and the property are special.”

More on today’s Oakwell Estate auction is at 6abc.

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The 6abc coverage of the Oakwell Estate auction.