This cotton mill was built in the late eighteenth century, and during the whole of its long working life survived the hazards of finance and fire, to both of which such mills were prone. After 1800 it was extended at each end, and the stone staircase tower was added. When the Manchester to Sheffield railway was built through the Hope valley in the 1890s it became practicable to use coal; the water wheel was removed and the mill was powered by steam until its then owners, Fine Spinners and Doublers Ltd, closed it in 1934.

We bought it in 1969, restored the slate roof and every single window, and divided the interior into seven dwellings, six of which we sold and one of which, on a middle floor, we kept as a Landmark. Our architect took particular trouble with such details as the downpipes, which were specially made for us square in section, making all the difference to the mill’s appearance; we took measures to soundproof between floors, though inevitably some noise remains; and we put cables underground. In spite of these apparent extravagances, the whole project turned out to be economic and the mill, instead of being demolished, now remains an ornament to the dale and a monument to those who laboured in it.

Sleeps: 4