Rescuing a derelict watermill
This upland Welsh watermill, at the Carmarthenshire end of the Brecon Beacons National Park, is at least 400 years old. Flour was milled here until 1928, when it, and its ancillary buildings (the miller’s house, the drying kiln and the cowshed), were abandoned and falling into dereliction, until purchased by the Mears family over a period of five years from 1979. The repair work on this complex is a demonstration of slow but considered conservation and learning. Traditional skills were applied, and local materials of wood and stone were used. The three main buildings have been turned into living accommodation, while retaining the mill machinery and original rural features. New staircases have been inserted into the miller’s house and the mill in keeping with the robust detailing of the building.
A new extension to the Miller’s house has now been added, described in detail here.
Awards
The Times & RICS conservation Awards: Commended
The National Home Improvement Award 2012: Finalist
Client’s testimonial
‘It is absolutely amazing to be able to live in this building. The process of repairing and restoring it over the last thirty four years has been quite slow and painful at times, but it has also been an amazing process, thanks also to the architect and the local people who helped understand such buildings and their traditions.’
Miller’s house and kiln
Site plan
Proposed drawings
Proposed drawings
Before
After
Kiln and miller’s house before
Kiln and miller’s house after
Cowshed before
Cowshed after
Living room with mill machinery before
Living room with mill machinery after
Mill kitchen
Mill kitchen and dining room
Mill Living Room, after