Saw Mill At Blachford Estate

The saw mill at Blachford Estate is an estate water saw-mill located on a tributary of the River Yealm, dating from the late 19th century. This two-storey mill is part of a small complex of one and two-storeyed buildings. It is constructed from rubble stone, featuring local dressed granite and some pale brickwork for dressings, arches, and quoins around structural openings. The hipped roof is covered with corrugated iron sheets.

A notable feature of the mill is its external overshot waterwheel, made of iron and timber, which measures 18 feet in diameter and 2 feet 6 inches wide. The wheel displays the name of the founder, PARKIN & SONS, EXETER, and the millwright, W. LANGLER, BRENT. It is fed by a long timber launder positioned at eaves level. The wheel is equipped with an external ring gear that is bolted to the arms, driving a layshaft into the building, from which belt drives extend to a secondary shaft and the saw bench. The 'L' shaped group of buildings, the waterwheel, and the remaining machinery are all contemporaneous, likely dating from the late 19th century.