A Perfect Day Out …

A Perfect Day Out …

Where to go in Skipton

01/09/2021     General News

Full of history, independent shops, amazing cafes, restaurants and bars and its very own medieval castle a visit to Skipton makes for a great day out.  Known as the Gateway to the North Yorkshire Dales, Skipton has a thriving community and was voted as the second happiest place to live in a pole by Rightmove.co.uk, 2020. 

The newly restored Town Hall has become the hub for Culture and Heritage, housing the Craven Museum & Gallery, with a changing programme events and exhibitions from both local and national artists. 

 

Sitting at the top of the high street  Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and well preserved medieval castles in England.  Fully roofed, with an enchanting  courtyard and incredible gatehouse  combine your visit  with a scenic walk along Eller Beck that runs behind the castle for a perfect day out 

Check online for events to keep the little ones entertained … and the grown-ups! 

A visit to the castle will not disappoint.
 A group of people in costumesDescription automatically generated with low confidence

 

https://www.yorkshire.com/places/yorkshire-dales/skipton 

https://www.welcometoskipton.com/ 

https://skiptontownhall.co.uk/ 

https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/ 

Information and photos courtesy of : www.skiptoncastle.co.uk 

 

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Choosing a reputable, knowledgeable valuer, can make a significant impact on your auction experience and the success of your sale. Here at Hutchinson Scott, we offer a free valuation service. This can be done by emailing us with a picture of your antique, bringing it to us or we do also offer the ability to view larger collections in person. This personalised approach not only ensures accuracy when it comes to valuing your items but also instils confidence, assurance and clarity. Within this post we discuss the importance of a professional valuation, how they help to avoid under or over valuing your item and the true benefits a reputable valuer and auction house bring.

The Role of Independent Valuers and Valuations

An independent valuer will provide an unbiased, professional opinion on what your item is worth. Factors that are considered include its condition, age, market demand and historical significance. This expert opinion is invaluable and is the only way to obtain a realistic yet competitive valuation and therefore auction price for your antique. If you choose to not obtain a professional independent valuation, then you are at risk of under and or over pricing the item; and therefore, potentially not selling at all.

An experienced and knowledgeable valuer will also be able to give you a robust and solid understanding of your item, its history, age, historical importance, the demand for prospective buyers and its potential market value, all making sure that you are prepared to set a competitive reserve price at auction, having a sale price in mind.

By choosing to use the services of a professional valuer from an antique house, we will guide you on the cleaning, restoration and preservation requirements and efforts that are required to ensure you obtain maximum value. This will make

sure that your item is the best it possibly can be for auction and means that you do not make unnecessary alterations that could diminish the value. Our independent valuations help sellers maximise the value of their item by offering a clear and accurate valuation that reflects the condition, age, demand, market conditions and true potential of the item being sold.

Professional Valuations Help Avoid Under or Over Restoration and Preserve Value

 You may be sitting at home looking at an antique item that you want to sell and thinking it just needs a good clean and polish. You are more than likely not wrong but this is truly where the expertise of an independent valuer is critical as their role is about determining the appropriate level of restoration and cleaning that is needed. Over restoration can damage the authenticity and originality which can potentially reduce its value whilst under restoration which can leave it in a potentially poor condition, making it less appealing to buyers.

 A skilled valuer will assess the condition of the item and provide guidance on whether cleaning and or restoration is necessary and to what extent. This approach will make sure that your item maintains its originality and historical integrity but be presented in the best way it can be and be auction ready, maximising its value and potential at auction.

How Hutchinson Scott can be your Valuer of Choice

At Hutchinson Scott we take pride in our ability to offer independent valuations, providing a clear, professional assessment of your item. We are a respected, reputable and trusted antique house in Yorkshire, and we have a team of experts who bring years of experience across a wide range of specialisms, from collectables, fine art appraisals, historical artifacts and rare furniture. Our team can help you accurately determine the market value of your item, taking into consideration its condition, authenticity and the appropriate levels of cleaning and restoration that may be required.

 

Understanding the true value of your items is crucial before putting them up for sale, and our expert team is here to guide you through this critical step. We're committed to ensuring your antiques are accurately valued, with the goal of maximising their potential sale price. We are also careful not to overvalue items; this can discourage potential buyers and result in unsold lots. We take pride in providing precise and well-considered valuations. We assess every aspect of your items, taking into account factors such as age, condition, rarity, and market demand. This approach allows us to find the right balance, setting prices that attract serious bidders while ensuring you receive fair compensation for your items.

With our expertise, you can confidently rely on us to provide thorough and accurate valuations, setting the stage for a successful sale. We are a professional auction house that offers accuracy, professionalism and experience. To learn more about the item you wish to sell and for us to talk you through our valuation process; please call us on 01756 798333. We look forward to hearing from you.

 

 

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Accurate Antique Valuation

When selling antiques and pieces at auction, taking the time to receive an accurate valuation is key as it gives you a clear understanding of what your antiques are worth and so you can set a realistic reserve and asking price as a result. However, without a proper valuation, you risk under (or over) valuing your items and potentially missing out on selling them and maximising their value, or not selling it at all due to the inaccurate valuation and deterring potential buyers.


Professional antique valuers like those at Hutchinson Scott consider factors such as age, rarity and condition of your item, as well as market trends, which are all elements that can impact the value and selling capability of your item. A professional valuation will give you expert insight and peace of mind that your item has been valued accurately. An accurate valuation is not just about understanding the true value of your item, it is also there to help you set a suitable reserve price which is all about protecting your antique from being sold for less than its worth.

At Hutchinson Scott we offer a free online valuation service. It couldn’t be easier; simply upload an image of the antique and send any information you would like included in the listing and we will get back to you as soon as we can with a valuation. Additonally, a specialist can also visit your property, free of charge to value larger items and or collections of items.  

Auction Fees

An essential part of selling at auction is understanding auction fees, as this fundamentally has an impact on how much profit you make. At all auction houses there is a sellers fee. At Hutchinson Scott this is 10% of the hammer price plus VAT. This seller fee covers the auction house's services for selling your items, including marketing, administration, and the actual auction.

In addition to the seller fee, there is also an insurance fee. This varies from auction to auction but at Hutchinson Scott it is 1% insurance charge. The insurance fee is applied to cover the item while it's in the auction house's possession. It is important to contact the auction house and ascertain what charges there are, so you are fully informed from the beginning, and you can accurately calculate your potential profit. 

Finally it is important to mention that if your item doesn’t sell, you won’t incur these fees. We would recommend finding out this information at the auction house you are selling through, prior to agreeing to sell your item with them; so, to not incur unexpected costs.

Preparing your Antique for Sale

Making sure that your item is prepared for the auction is key to maximising the value, and ensure it is sold for the highest possible amount at auction. Part of this preparation involves cleaning and restoring your item if necessary. We know that cleaning anything improves its appearance but over cleaning or cleaning with the wrong products and improper methods can have a detrimental effect on the item, damaging original features and therefore potentially reducing its value. 

At Hutchinson Scott we recommend seeking professional advice before cleaning your item. This can be done on line or please contact our team, and we will happily discuss your item with you and what we recommend. If your item is old or delicate and needs antique restoration, this can sometimes increase its worth, as well as making sure it looks its very best for auction, but if the restoration isn’t done right then this may cause damage to the item, devalue it or even detract from its authenticity.

Just like seeking guidance on cleaning your item, we recommend you consult with experts to understand whether a full restoration is necessary. For both cleaning and restoration, research, guidance and proper preparation, combined with expert guidance, will make sure that your antique is the best it can possibly be, maximising your chances of a successful and profitable sale.

Realistic Reserve Price

The reserve is the minimum price you are willing to accept to sell your piece for. Setting a realistic reserve price is about attracting interest for your item and also making sure that you sell your item for its true value. Setting a reserve too high means that you are at risk of deterring potential bidders and not gaining any interest or selling your item. 

It is important that you contact the auction house you wish to sell through as they are experts and can assess current market trends and interest levels as well as your item's condition; all to determine an appropriate reserve. At Hutchinson Scott we believe in a fair and achievable reserve as this will create interest, encourage bidding, and ultimately maximise the sale potential of your item.

Sell Your Item with Hutchinson Scott

If you’re looking to sell your antique and maximise its value, then preparation is key. Accurate valuations, understanding seller fees, cleaning and restoring your item and setting a realistic reserve are all elements that we know will help you maximise value and achieve the best possible return. Hutchinson Scott are a trusted name in the auction world and over the years they we have built up a reputation for their expertise and knowledge. We are here to guide you through selling your antiques and to make sure that you have the right information to navigate the process from start to finish. Please call 01756 798333 for more information.

 

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  • Increase Trust

Having an independent valuation can be useful when it comes to selling. Using a professional service can make your antiques more attractive to buyers as it provides peace of mind that what they’re purchasing is both legitimate and a fair price. It will also add trust which can result in smoother transactions and potentially higher offers.

  • Inform Selling Decisions

Getting an independent valuation provides you with valuable information about your antique, including its rarity and condition. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about when and where to sell, ensuring you maximise its value. Not to mention, understanding these aspects can help market your antique effectively to the right audience.

Hutchinson Scott's Antique Valuation Service

At Hutchinson Scott, we understand the importance of getting an accurate and unbiased valuation for your antiques. We offer a free valuation service online, providing a quick and convenient way to get a professional assessment of your items. Simply complete our online form and upload an image of your antique, and our experts will get back to you. This straightforward process ensures you get the information you need without any hassle.

As a small and individual business, at Hutchinson Scott we are committed to providing a professional and customer-friendly service. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible advice and valuation for your antiques. In addition to valuing items to be sold at an auction house, we provide a range of other valuation services for insurance, probate and family divisions. If required, our valuers can visit your property to value either selected items or the complete house contents.

Get a Free Antique Valuation Online Today 

It’s fair to say that getting an independent antique valuation is essential whenever you’re selling. It ensures you receive an accurate and unbiased valuation, helping you make informed decisions about your items. To find out more about the free antique valuation service we provide at Hutchinson Scott, feel free to get in touch with us today. We will happily provide you with any additional information you need and you can trust our experts to give you a reliable valuation. Whether you're selling, insuring or need a valuation for legal purposes, our team at Hutchinson Scott is here to help.

 

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