Higher Mill, East Block

Higher Mill, East Block is a detached block, likely used as a wool store, forming part of the larger Higher Mill complex. The block was probably remodelled in the 1860s and was disused at the time of a 1992 survey. It is constructed of local stone rubble with some red brick dressings and has an asbestos slate roof, half-hipped at the ends. An axial fire wall projects through the ridge, and a large external stack with a truncated red brick cylindrical shaft is located at the west end.

The building is situated east of and at right angles to the two earlier listed blocks of the mill. It has a two-story and attic layout. The roof pitch varies slightly on either side of the axial fire wall. The south side has four windows, with two ground-floor windows having timber lintels; the right-hand window was converted from a doorway. Four first-floor windows have red brick jambs, some boarded and others with 20th-century glazing. A central first-floor doorway has paired plank doors, and a gabled attic doorway shows remnants of a gantry. The east end features one large ground-floor doorway and a smaller door to the right, where a now-demolished building was once attached. Four boarded first-floor windows and two attic windows are visible, along with a heavy scrolled metal bracket projecting from the eaves in the center. The north side has three recessed 2-light casements with brick arches and jambs, and a single-story lean-to has been built against the side. Five first-floor windows are blocked with brick arches and jambs.

The ground-floor interior has cross-braced joists with massive additional strengthening at the east end. The first floor and attic were not inspected but may retain features of interest. A mill has existed on the Higher Mill site since at least 1730, with a tucking mill recorded in 1760. In 1861, the mill was bought by Hamlyns, the family who also owned Town Mill in Buckfastleigh, and this building may have been erected or refurbished around that date. In 1953, the mill was converted to a plating works and is now disused. Historical documentation about the site is held by Elizabeth Knowling.