New holiday let at High Corn Mill in Skipton reflects changes that will transform our towns and cities

As for making the whole building pay, it originally centred on offices to let and on Andrew’s own retail outlet The Home Company, a furniture and furnishings store.

Now, there is everything from well-being businesses, a hairdressers and a bridal shop to a physiotherapist practice, pilates and yoga studio and framing company to name but a few.

The Home Company has survived while some Skipton shops, including the much-loved Rackhams department store, have not.

“That’s because people buying a sofa want to see it and sit on it and you can’t do that online. While they are here, they might buy something else,” says Andrew.

“We are also lucky that Skipton is a leisure destination on the doorstep of the Dales because the focus now is on leisure not shopping. People will visit the castle, the cafes and walk in the woods and they might pop into a shop while they are here.”

He hopes to see more small independent stores and more upper floors of commercial buildings redeveloped for residential use, thereby bringing more people into the town centre to spend money there.

There would be no shortage of would-buyers and tenants, says Matthew Gledhill of Harrison Boothman estate agents, who adds that the grammar schools, the train station with links to Leeds and the location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park are all huge draws.

Meanwhile, Andrew is practising what he preaches with his latest venture at High Corn Mill. What was redundant office space is now generating an income after being transformed into The Beck, a luxurious first floor holiday apartment with an open plan living/kitchen/dining space, four-bedrooms and three-bathrooms, along with a “quiet seat” by a window that looks up to the neighbouring castle ramparts.

Andrew was keen to showcase local history, art and style and commissioned artists and artisans to create work for the property. As a result, the apartment features the work of window artist Jenny Trebillon in the entrance area, alongside part of the inner workings of the historic mill wheel.

A large welcoming panel with an early sketch of the entrance arch to neighbouring Skipton castle details some of the history of the Old Corn Mill, which has its roots in the 13th century.

Embsay based Victoria Alderson supplied some of her beautiful watercolours for the apartment, which has been furnished by The Home Company and includes three smart TVs and an electric car charging point.

The sitting area also has a large-scale graphic of a small waterfall from the mill dam, which is visible from the towpath by the castle. Also impressive, not to mention unusual, is a collage of images documenting Prince Charles’ visit to High Corn Mill in 1988 and gold footprints on the floor that allow guests to stand exactly where the man who became King Charles III once stood.

Andrew says: “This is all part of the proud history of the mill and we hope King Charles may return to see what has changed here over the years.”

He adds: “As more people take UK breaks, the demand for holiday accommodation has never been greater and the mill is perfectly positioned to offer short holidays in an amazing setting and location."

His next venture at the mill is also underway and he is working towards opening a High Corn Mill Visitor Centre in Spring 2024, which will include the chance to buy all things Yorkshire, including everything from parkin and honey to throws from the Wilde Sheep Company made with sheeps wool from the Dales.

“As the world changes, so the nature of the mill will continue to evolve,” says Andrew.

* High Corn Mill visit www.highcornmill.com. The Beck at High Corn Mill is on the edge of Skipton Castle Woods and round the corner from the high street. Bookings for The Beck, Skipton, are managed by Sykes Cottages.