Your first trip to a reclamation yard is a rite of passage for every period property renovator. Navigating the Aladdin’s Cave of interior design treasures can be overwhelming, but it can also help you to find that essential original feature you didn’t even know your project needed.
Getting lost in a reclamation yard is an immensely rewarding activity – so much so, that some designers will use this as a jumping off point for their design inspiration.
The goal might be to find that one-of-a-kind piece that brings the entire scheme together, or to find a focal point to design around. In some cases, it’s purely practical – your project needs a door, and there’s little sense in buying new when there are hundreds of excellent quality originals waiting to be discovered in reclamation yards up and down the country.
In this guide, we’re sharing our top tips for navigating reclamation yards for the first time so you can make the most of your visit. We’re also sharing our favourite yards to visit up and down the country.
This is not a task to be rushed between other appointments. You’re going to want to spend some time exploring the treasures on offer, as this is the only way to really appreciate the beauty of the reclamation yard. Some designers use this activity as part of the creative design process, allowing them to find sources of inspiration. So, grab a coffee and take your time exploring every corner.
Looking for something in particular? Make sure you have photos and measurements with you. Photos will help you to spot potential issues that could impact installation. You might think you have a good memory, but photos will help to ensure you don’t waste time bringing home items that won’t work with the space. It’s also a good idea to bring a tape measure to help size up any items you find.
While you might have a specific item you want to find, be open to straying from the original plan. Heading into a reclamation yard with a narrow mission could give you tunnel vision, which could lead you to miss out on incredible pieces.
The fear is often that you’ll lose focus and become distracted by trinkets when you should be looking for core pieces for your home. Be open to looking at other pieces and try to think of the project as a whole. This will allow you to stay focused on your mission, while still being open to new discoveries.
Most reclamation yards will hold pieces for you until you can return with a larger vehicle. Others will offer delivery for a small fee, provided you’re local. Don’t make assumptions that you can’t take an item home because you don’t have the right vehicle. Always ask the staff if they can hold items to deliver, as this will open up a world of possibilities.
One thing to know about reclamation yards is that there is a thrill in the chase. You’re looking for vintage door knobs, you find a matching pair, and you’re convinced that you’ll find an identical pair if you just keep looking. While miracles do happen in reclamation yards, it can also set you up for disappointment if you don’t know when to let go. Vintage door knobs are a great example, as faithful replicas often give you much less stress than sourcing originals, but they still look and feel like the real thing.
Ready to rummage through the treasures? These are some of our favourite yards to visit around the country.
Our very own sister company, and the perfect spot to pick up original architectural features. The online shop is only a fraction of what is available as stock is always changing; you need to visit to appreciate the full scale of building materials available and call if you have any specific requirements.
Ryton Fields Farm
Wolston Lane
Ryton on Dunsmore
Coventry
CV8 3ES
Tel: 02475 260 866
Opening Times: Thursday to Saturday, 9-4, no appointment required.
This extensive reclamation yard and antique shop is a family-run endeavour in the heart of Cheshire. They specialise in furniture, antiques and building materials.
Forest Road
Little Budworth
Cotebrook
Tarporley
CW6 9ES
Home of the ‘salvage yard’ and the ‘junk yard’, Derbyshire Reclamation in Buxton is a full day-out for the interior design enthusiast. You may have seen their wares on TikTok, where co-owner Melissa Drabble has built a substantial following.
Tin Man Scrap & Derbyshire Reclamation
Unit 27b Harpur Hill Ind Est
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JL
Nestled on the border of Kent and Sussex, this vast reclamation yard offers a wide range of stock for your period property restoration.
Authentic Reclamation
West Lymden Farm
Lymden Lane
Stonegate
East Sussex
TN5 7EF
This interior design favourite is a treasure trove of miscellany housed in a Victorian pub building. Prepare to be drawn in every direction as you navigate the rooms.
Insitu Architectural Salvage
252 Chester Road
Manchester
M15 4EX
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