Wheelwrights works with York Conservation Trust on flats

The move marks a collaboration between holiday apartments company, Wheelwrights York and York Conservation Trust.

The partnership will see repair work completed at 83–87 Micklegate, whilst the neighbouring 69–71 Micklegate will be under a new lease by Wheelwrights York and redecorated ahead of reopening to guests last month (March), ensuring the heritage properties remain actively used.

The striking Grade II listed Tudor building at 83-87 Micklegate, dating back to the 14th century, is currently looked after by York Conservation Trust and is undergoing maintenance work.

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The buildings are receiving repairs to the roof, timber, drainage, windows and external doors, ensuring the building remains safe and protected for the future.

The buildings have a long and interesting history, being used as a butchers, drapers, saddle makers, grocers and brick makers, with these businesses operating on the ground floor and living quarters above.

Once repair work is completed this spring, 87 Micklegate, managed by Wheelwrights York, will reopen as a holiday apartment within the listed building.

The neighbouring 69–71 Micklegate is also a Grade II listed building, but having fallen into disrepair by the late 20th century, York Conservation Trust embarked on a huge six-year restoration project in 2014 costing more than £1 million to bring the beautiful building back to life.

The building has a complex and interesting history, with the timber frame dating back to the medieval period, the masonry mostly Georgian, and even Roman structures were discovered in the basement, making it a building with deep historic roots. The restoration transformed the building into three apartments, and shop and business spaces below.

With their office already based on the ground floor, and having previously managed the apartments in an agency capacity, Wheelwrights York took over the lease and management of 69-71 Micklegate from March.

Wheelwrights owners Jerry and Jools Rebbeck in Micklegate (Image: Pic supplied)

This includes the three holiday apartments and Trinity Cottage in the yard outside. As major works concluded on the building when it was restored, the apartments will receive minor works in redecorating and furnishing, preparing them for guests and bringing the building back into regular use.

Jerry Rebbeck, Managing Director of Wheelwrights York said: “These Micklegate buildings are an important part of York’s history, and we’re proud to be working alongside York Conservation Trust to make sure they are well protected, cared for, and actively used for many more years to come.”

“We’ve been located in the ground floor commercial space at 69–71 Micklegate for six years, so taking on the full lease of the building feels like a natural next step. This will allow us to invest in the apartments and cottage, and create characterful stays right in the heart of the city.”

“Micklegate is one of York’s most iconic streets, and as York locals, we’re excited to help these buildings continue their story and get started on this next chapter of our business alongside York Conservation Trust.”

Guy Bowyer, Chief Executive from York Conservation Trust, said: “Our quirky property layouts lend themselves ideally to Holiday lets. They’re great to stay in for a short time but hard to live in and they support our core charitable objective of promoting the enjoyment of our historic buildings. 

“Whilst we look after the structural integrity of both 69-71 and 87 Micklegate Wheelwrights York ensure the properties are welcoming and ready to be enjoyed by the people of York and the city’s visitors.”

“The new lease of 69-71 Micklegate marks an important milestone for the building’s future, allowing the Wheelwrights team to continue their good work managing the properties while investing in their long-term use.”