The Old Mill

The Old Mill is a substantial mid-18th century brick mill owner’s house located in Elmley Castle. The front elevation is of symmetrical three bays, constructed in Flemish bond brick with blue brick headers. It has a central doorway flanked by casement windows, with three matching windows above, all featuring slightly rounded heads. A single-storey extension dating to approximately 2004 is on the right side, and a two-storey extension of the same date extends across the rear. A modern garage, built for Mill Barn, is attached to the left side. These later structures are not considered to be of special interest.

The interior underwent significant alterations in 2004, including stripping out and opening up spaces. While the general plan has been retained with a central hall and two original main rooms on either side, these now flow into the newer extensions. Very few original features remain, and much of the joinery and fireplaces have been removed. Surviving features include a mid-18th or early 19th century staircase, later reworked, and some exposed light timber framing on internal walls from the original late-18th century construction. The cellar has been tanked.

An outbuilding or wing, now a separate property called Mill Barn, was completely rebuilt in the 1990s and is not of special interest.

Historically, the Old Mill served as a miller’s house. Elmley mill itself, described as having originally been thatched and subsequently collapsed, is believed to have been situated to the east, north of the mill pond which remains visible in front of the property. The site was redeveloped around 2004, with planning permission, resulting in the pub being converted into a private house, the sale of Mill Barn as a separate property, and the construction of four new houses on the former pub car park.

The building is designated Grade II for its substantial and attractive mid-18th century brick construction, and for the legibility of its facade and basic plan despite some alterations and extensions.