ABOUT

Our Story

The Well by BDAntiques is a luxury home and garden company created by entrepreneur, Shane Brown.

It combines the stories of, and showcases pieces from, our founding location, Big Daddy's Antiques, and its sister stores, The Well.

Inspired Living Through Thoughtful Curation

We believe in homes that tell stories. With handpicked, exceptional pieces from artisans and makers worldwide, we create spaces you'll never want to leave.

Meet Shane Brown

aka "Big Daddy"

Shane has a contagious passion for vintage and antique goods that developed at a very young age.
In his youth, he spent his weekends golfing, walking flea markets, and rummaging through estate sales with his grandfather, Don Brown. When Don would purchase special items from these places, Shane recalls how "he wouldn’t sell them, but instead give them to those wandering by". Appreciating this sentiment, Shane began to love the treasure hunt for unique pieces and being able to share them with others.
Although young, Shane vividly remembers a visit to Hearst Castle with his grandmother, Mary Wagers, and defines this as the moment that sparked his passion for antiquing. He realized that this business would give him the opportunity to meet inspirational people, travel to amazing places, and be able to showcase his treasures to the world.

Timeline

In his mid-twenties, working as a manager as a Los Angeles messenger service, Shane decided to take to vintage and antique sales as a “side-hustle”.
He began selling at the Santa Monica and Rose Bowl swap meets on the weekends, and held a space at the South Bay antique mall. Not only was his “side-hustle” taking off financially, but it fueled his passion for antiques, and his restless creative drive. He loved the adrenaline rush that came with spotting something unique at a vintage market, especially since he knew his clientele like the back of his hand. Once he had a taste of success, he took the risk and made the decision to leave the corporate world for good, in pursuit of passion and creativity. 
After crushing the California flea market scene, Shane began to take to specialty trade shows all across the country. He started shopping in the midwest, building imperative connections and finding lifelong friends along the way. He attributes the foundation of his business to these connections. 

In 1996, Shane opened his first ever store in Redondo Beach. He transformed the entire space himself, and created a store that represented his taste in design, showcasing some of his one-of-a-kind pieces.
Not long after opening, Shane found himself longing for the space to share the same hustle and bustle as the flea markets he attended.
With this idea in the back of his mind, he continued to foster relationships with customers, meet other buyers, and work with all kinds of creatives. From movie set decorators to interior designers, Shane spent this season of his life discovering and learning about his ideal consumer niche.

Later that year, Shane officially branded his business as Big Daddy’s Antiques.
His childhood friends had always called him “Big Daddy” growing up and suggested he use the nickname as the name of his business. While reluctant at first, he figured, “hey, at least it’s memorable".
As Big Daddy’s Antiques began to take root in Culver City, CA, Shane took opportunities to expand to warehouses and spaces from Orange County, the South Bay, San Francisco, and Aspen, to destinations such as Brimfield and Round Top. 
Through connection to these new spaces, and the people in them, Shane began to gain a credible following; from collectors of art to garden enthusiasts. Shane notes that "creatives never fail to inspire".
With that contagious inspiration, he envisioned the Culver City location to be just that, a showroom that contagiously inspires. It has showcased all of his best finds for many years, and continues to attract those seeking significant, statement making pieces.

In 2019, Shane, his beautiful wife Kristine, and two daughters Raleigh and Georgia moved from their Manhattan Beach home to the stunning neighborhoods of Montecito. Aside from the fact Santa Barbara is nothing short of a dream, Shane had his eye on a space in Summerland that "he's coveted" for at least twenty years. As soon as he saw a "for rent" sign, he jumped at the opportunity. And just like that, The Well was born.
The vision for this brand expansion was tranquility, peace and beauty. Shane wanted to capture these traits through the sound of water in aged limestone vessels, the noise of the leaves from swaying olive trees, warm lighting in the cottages, and the lit candles and comfortable seating throughout. He aimed to heighten each sense in this space, hoping those who gathered would experience the joy and inspiration that he does when finding these pieces.
The Well was officially established in 2020. Shane hopes those passing through would take their time to wander, discover, and indulge in the stunning half acre indoor, outdoor, space.

In June of 2024, The Well entered the oasis that is Santa Barbara.
Blending modern design with carefully selected antiques, the store was designed to inspire. Each space is thoughtfully staged to resemble a living home, allowing clients to envision how their own spaces could be transformed with our unique, timeless pieces.
The Montecito store marks a continued evolution of Shane's vision, bringing together the old and new to create inviting, artful environments.

In May of 2025, Shane and his family opened The Wells newest location in the heart of Montecito. While quaint, the street of Coast Village is where all the action is!
With careful intent, this location differs from the rest as both retail and design; ready to welcome clientele and transform neighboring homes with a touch of The Well.
Bring your vision to life with the help of our wonderful team.
Visit Us
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The Well Summerland
2350 Lillie Ave. Summerland CA, 93067

The Well Montecito
1505 E Valley Rd Santa Barbara CA, 93108

The Well Coast Village
1080 Coast Village Rd Santa Barbara CA, 93108

Big Daddy's Antiques
3334 La Cienega Pl Los Angeles CA, 90016