Nettleton Mill


Nettleton Mill is a Grade II listed mill in Wiltshire, England, on the banks of the Bybrook River, to the southeast of Nettleton. Part of the Castle Combe estate, it was built in 1774 as a farmhouse; date is inscribed on the outer building. Between 1984 and 1986 it was a shooting location for the 1980s cult series Robin of Sherwood. The old ruined farmhouse was refurbished by the new residents in the early 1990s and has been converted into a bed and breakfast cottage.

Geography

The building is situated in the Cotswolds valley, between Nettleton and Castle Combe, in a village setting, about north of Bath. The bridge at Fosse Way over Broadmead Brook is nearby, where signal and native crayfish have been recorded by use of traps. It is surrounded by wooded forest land of about. The stream that flows through the property is known for trout fishing. Wildlife is also recorded in the vicinity of the mill house.

History

The farmhouse, which was built in 1774, was in ruins due to disrepair. The milling operations at the Nettleton Mill were discontinued even before World War I. In the 1950s and 60s, the turbine power was utilised at some time, probably when the stream flow became inadequate. It was later refurbished, without altering its original design, and provided with modern facilities. After the farmhouse was vacated by Connolly Leather Ltd in 1991, the Museum of London evaluated the heritage status of this 18th century building from an archaeological perspective to enable the town Planning Department to register it as a Grade II Listed building. It is now run as a country retreat.

Features

The structure is built of local stone. The undershot wheel of the grist mill was replaced by a turbine during the 19th century. The sheds in the annex of the farmhouse were used for storage of farm products. The layout of the building at ground-floor level consists of a large, high-vaulted drawing room. A conservatory passage leads to the kitchen and dining space. On the next floor, accessed by a flight of steps, there is a hall with galleries and living accommodation with two bathrooms. There is also a wine cellar, room and a utility space. The structure is roofed with pan tiles.