Stone houses, a castle and the racing yards
Middleham is a small market town on the south side of Wensleydale, close to where the River Cover meets the River Ure. Its castle, once a stronghold of Richard III, still stands over the town, and Middleham has long been known as a centre for training racehorses. The gallops on the moor above the town and the yards scattered through its streets are as much a part of daily life here as the shops and pubs around the market places.
The homes reflect that history. Much of the town is built of local stone, with houses and cottages set around the upper and lower market places and along the streets leading off them. Beyond the town, there are farmhouses, barns and cottages up into Coverdale and along the dale.
Working around the horses
One thing that sets Middleham apart is the sight of strings of racehorses walking through the town to and from the gallops, usually in the morning. We plan clearances with this in mind. That means thinking about where and when we park, keeping loading areas clear and quiet, and taking extra care on the roads. If your property is near a yard, let us know and we'll time things so we're not in anyone's way.
What to expect inside an older Dales home
Old stone houses are full of character but not always easy to clear. Common features include:
- narrow, turning staircases where large furniture has to be taken apart to get it down;
- low doorways and beams that need careful handling;
- cellars and attics used for storage over many decades;
- outbuildings, stables and stores at the back of the property.
None of this need be a problem, but it does affect how long a clearance takes, so we'll look at it properly when we quote. We dismantle beds, wardrobes and other large pieces where needed, and if you only want a few bulky items taken, our furniture removal service covers that. Loft spaces and attics are dealt with through our attic and loft service.
Who we help in and around Middleham
A clearance in a Dales town can be needed for many reasons. Families clearing a late parent's house, executors preparing a property for sale, older residents moving to be nearer family, and owners of holiday cottages refurbishing or selling up might all need a hand.
When a clearance follows a death, our support for bereaved families means we take things gently, keep aside anything personal, and can work in stages if you'd like time to go through belongings yourself. There's no pressure to make every decision at once.
Holiday cottages and second homes
Wensleydale draws visitors all year, and a fair number of cottages in and around the town are let to holidaymakers or used as second homes. When an owner decides to refurbish, change the furnishings or sell, the old beds, sofas, tables and kitchen items need to go. We can work between bookings if we know the dates in advance, and we'll leave anything that's staying, such as fitted furniture or items for the next guests, exactly where it is. Good-quality furniture from holiday lets is often well suited to being passed on for reuse.
How we handle your clearance
We start with a free, no-obligation quote. Because Middleham is further from our Northallerton base than some places we cover, many people find it easiest to send photos first; we can then visit if needed. Once you've agreed the quote, we'll set a date and confirm exactly what's staying.
Distance needn't mean extra visits for you. If you live away, or simply can't face a trip back to the house, we can collect keys from a neighbour, an agent or a solicitor, send you updates as the work goes on, and keep anything we find for you to collect or have passed on. Families who grew up in the dale but now live elsewhere often find this the easiest way to do things.
On the day, we go room by room. Anything you've asked us to look out for, such as paperwork, photographs, medals or jewellery, is put to one side for you. Usable furniture and household items are donated or passed on for reuse where possible, materials are recycled, and the remainder goes to licensed facilities. We finish by sweeping through, leaving the property clear and ready for the next stage. You can read more in our step-by-step guide to the process.
Nearby Wensleydale and Coverdale villages
Middleham is just a couple of miles from Leyburn, and we also clear properties in places such as Coverham, East Witton, Spennithorne and Wensley. If you're arranging a clearance in the dale's main market town, see our page on clearances around Leyburn. To the south-east, we cover the Masham area too.
Wherever the property is, it's sensible to check that a clearance company is listed on the Environment Agency's register of waste carriers. To arrange your free quote, drop us a message with a few details, and some photos if you have them.
