An antiquarian library and book sales business in the Yorkshire Dales National Park has gone on the market after its owner decided to retire.
Leading bookseller Richard Axe bought a former youth hostel in the village of Aysgarth nearly 20 years ago, and moved his entire business from Harrogate to occupy the Victorian building, which was originally a school. Now 73, failing health is forcing him to sell the collections as a going concern – with the estate including a cottage in the grounds where he lives and 120,000 rare volumes. The building now has over a mile of shelving filling a total of 30 rooms.
The old hostel is not often visited by the general public, though specialist collectors do browse its shelves. A recent guest left with a bag of historic letters that they then sold to the British Library. Around 35,000 volumes that are listed for sale online occupy one floor, but books that Mr Axe has ‘kept back’ take up most of the other four storeys. His business generates an annual turnover of £75,000.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Kilnsey Estate in the Yorkshire Dales keeps evolving after four generations in the same familyKilnsey is known for its crag, fishing lakes and the wonderful Kilnsey Show and there is only one family that has been associated with all three over the years, but not without constantly changing and their latest venture typifies that philosophy.
Read more »
Travis & Emery: London's Musical Antiquarian ShopTravis & Emery is a renowned antiquarian shop in London that specializes in rare music scores, libretti, and antiquarian books. The shop, opened in 1960, has a rich history and has served composers, performers, and students for decades.
Read more »
For sale: gorgeous cottage in a chocolate box Dales village in walking distance of SettleThis Grade II listed, stone-built cottage dates to the1670s and is full of character and charm. It sits in the pretty village of Langcliffe, which is just a mile from Settle.
Read more »
All Creatures Great and Small filming locations to visit in the Yorkshire Dales and where to stay overnight to explore the villages and townsThese Yorkshire Dales towns and villages have been used to film popular Channel 5 and BBC adaptations of All Creatures Great and Small - here are some of the best places to stay overnight to fully appreciate them.
Read more »
What time is the Grand National? Race times, dates and scheduleGrand National 2024 racecards at Aintree for Opening Day, Ladies Day and Grand National Day
Read more »
Our Yorkshire Farm star returning to screens with brand new seriesReuben Owen, 19, from the Yorkshire Dales, has landed his own TV show on ITV called Reuben's Machinery Showdown. The teen will be joined by his best friends on the new venture
Read more »