Black Mill House is to be auctioned with a guide price between £200k and £250k
A property in the heart of Holderness, thought to be the possible inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien’s The Two Towers, is going under the hammer. Black Mill House is set to be auctioned on Wednesday, December 3.
The property in Waxholme, near Withernsea, which has possible links to J.R.R. Tolkien’s famed The Lord Of The Rings, offers literature fans the opportunity to purchase an iconic structure and transform the accompanying cottage into a characterful home. Enveloped by sweeping agricultural land, the original 60ft structure of Black Mill once stood in stark contrast to its surroundings, with only the white tower of the nearby Withernsea lighthouse sharing its ownership of the horizon.
These striking buildings certainly would have impressed themselves on the memory of those who saw them in their heyday, including the legendary fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien, who was based at an army camp in the area during the First World War. As a result, Tolkien enthusiasts have suggested that Black Mill inspired the author for the second part of his Lord Of The Rings trilogy.
Before the top of the mill was removed to enable its transition into a wartime watchtower, photos reveal an imposing structure that bears more than a little resemblance to images of Mordor’s dark tower as depicted on early cover proposals for the novel. Today, only a stump of the mill remains, but it is still possible to see traces of the black paint that once made it such an eye-catching feature of the local landscape.
Ready for reimagination
Black Mill House incorporates two properties: the Black Mill, first constructed in the 1600s, and a cottage. The two buildings have been merged as one site for some time but continue to hold separate titles – the guide price for prospective purchasers is £200,000 to £250,000 (plus fees).
The cottage is in need of complete renovation but could be the perfect project for an owner with vision, says Auction House Hull and East Yorkshire, which will be conducting the sale. The spacious cottage welcomes you inside via an entry porch.
From the connecting hallway, you can head to the right into a snug reception room, which boasts a quarry-tile floor and a set of French doors that lead you into the garden. On the opposite side of the hallway is an additional reception room or dining room, featuring a fireplace.
The spacious kitchen, which could be reimagined into the perfect haven for an accomplished cook, is positioned at the end of the corridor. Yet more space for relaxing can then be found in the connecting reception room, which benefits from a southern aspect and large windows.
Also on the ground floor is a sizeable utility room and a cloakroom/WC that could be re-fitted to house a shower or bath.
On the first floor are yet more generously proportioned rooms. There are four bedrooms in total, three of which are doubles. The main bedroom in particular has plenty of light courtesy of the large southern-facing windows. A bathroom and separate WC are also based on this floor.
Keen developers will be quick to eye up the opportunities of the additional structures on the land. The cottage has a large, attached garage, which could be converted with the right permissions.
There are also several other outbuildings on the site in varying conditions, which could potentially be restored or repurposed with the correct consent. Those seeking a rural retreat will be delighted by the cottage’s slightly elevated position, which provides beautiful countryside views.
The sprawling gardens of the property are sure to appeal to the green-fingered, too. To the rear of the property is a more private space, whereas the south and west sides of the building boast large lawned and landscaped areas.
‘Fascinating prospect’
Chris Ray, auction valuer for Auction House Hull and East Yorkshire, said “The house has significant potential and there are a number of good-sized outbuildings that may also be of particularly interest to purchasers. The remains of the mill form a distinctive landmark and are a strong reminder of days past.
“Even without the Tolkien connection the area has a rich history; over the ages there have been some significant towns and villages lost to the sea, a mysterious occurrence that may also have inspired the author. Indeed, on some of the beaches in the area it is possible to see the remains of ancient forests.
“Black Mill House is truly a fascinating prospect that will make a lovely home for someone.”
To learn more about the property and the chance to bid, visit the Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire website. Viewings can also be arranged by calling the team on 0845 400 9900.
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