SOLD
The Higher Flax Mill is a substantial, Grade II listed building. Its long, elongated, 11 bay front elevation is punctuated by attractive cast-iron, round-headed windows of multiple panes. The hefty block stretches along the site and glows a golden hue as a result of the local sourced stone from which it was constructed. Additional detail is provided by the use of brick around the windows and the corners of the block. At the far end a bell tower perches at the apex of the gable, no bell survives.
The mill building was built in the second half of the 19th-century by Donne, 1 of three predominant cloth manufacturers based in Castle Cary. It was built to house his twine, rope and sailcloth industry and was styled upon another local mill building, erected by his rival, Boyd. Higher Flax Mill is one of the best preserved such buildings to remain from the flax industry in the south-west. The building is not solely a wonderful and attractive building, but it is integral to the local history of the town, an attractive place whose continued existence has been sustained by the evolution of the cloth trade and its changing cycles. This mill was one of the buildings which particularly influenced the growth and employment of Castle Cary’s population over many generations. It sits adjacent to 2 other mill buildings which are in use.
The three storeyed building requires an enthusiastic yet sympathetic new owner who understands the approach that a building of this nature requires. There are various restrictions on the building which make its future a little complicated. However it does have permission and designs in place to convert the lower floor into work units and the middle floor into two residential units. The top floor is currently a wonderful undivided long space with exposed cast iron columns and roof trusses. It has a unique character and is full of potential. However as a consequence of its bare beauty it does require more careful consideration as to how best to utilise its attic-like space, perhaps it could be used for artists' studios? Further planning may be required.
The building has stood empty for a number of years and has been on our buildings at risk register since 2004. The fact that it is now being marketed is very promising and Higher Flax Mill's potential could finally be fulfilled. We encourage anyone interested in the building to contact the Agents as well as the Conservation Office to understand the restrictions and requirements of the building fully and we also encourage prospective purchasers to visit this enchanting historic site to see it for yourself. The price has recently been substantially reduced from £380,000! [To £250,000]
The site is located west of the town centre in the valley of the River Cary (whose flow once provided power to the mill), with countryside extending around it. We recommend anyone interested in purchasing a listed building first speaks directly with the local conservation officer to understand any restrictions surrounding the building. Contact the Local Authority:
Local Authority Contact:
Conservation Officer, South Somerset District Council, Council Offices, Brympton Way, Yeovil, BA20 2HT
Agents:
Stephen Hennessey, Symonds & Sampson, 2 Court Ash, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1HG
01935 423526
[email protected]
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