Inside the 16th century watermill turned into a home that powers its own electricity and is on sale for £1.1million
Ludford Mill, on the banks of the River Teme in Shropshire, could be a wealthy green energy fan's dream property
A LUCKY new owner of this former watermill may never have to worry about their leccy bill again as the home makes it's own electricity.
Ludford Mill, on the banks of the River Teme near Ludlow, Shrops, is one of just two properties directly linked to the turbine.
As well as cheap power, the picturesque property also comes with fishing rights on the river.
Owners Angus and Jenny Marshall lovingly restored the property after it was ravaged by a major fire but they have now put it on the market with a guide price of £1.1m.
The site has had a mill on it since the Domesday Book although the current building dates from the 16th century, with a 17th century extension.
Over the years it has been used as a corn mill, a cloth-making mill and a paper mill.
On the lower ground floor, the property still retains the early 19th century wheel and shaft that powered the mill.
It was last used as a watermill in the early 1900s when it provided electricity to a nearby property, Old Bell House, and then fell into disrepair for many years before it was turned into offices.
The building was converted into a home in 1990 and the Marshalls bought it in 2010.
They initially rented it out but just a few months after they bought it a fire destroyed the house and the couple spent nearly two years having it repaired.
The house now has a bespoke kitchen/breakfast room, dining room, sitting room, four bedrooms and two bathrooms.
It is set in 1.3 acres of mature gardens and has spectacular views over the horseshoe weir to Ludlow Castle and St Lawrences Church.
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Ludford Mill's setting has been well documented by artists and photographers over the years and there are etchings, paintings and photographs in collections at the British Museum and the V&A.
The weir was renovated in 2002 and the turbine was fitted and turned on last year.
In the first year of operating it has made 175,000 kilo Watt Hours (kWh).
The average house uses 2,500 to 3,000 kWh so it should generate enough to supply about 58 households.
The Marshalls' house is one of just two properties directly linked to the turbine, getting green electricity at a reduced rate, as well as making a rental income from leasing the land to the co-op.
Mr Marshall, who is one of the directors of Ludlow Hydro, the co-op, said there is also an option for the owner of Ludford Mill to take ownership of the scheme after the 20-year lease runs out.
The couple are downsizing since their daughters have moved out.
Mr Marshall, 54, who is a property manager, said: "There was a mill on this site mentioned in the Domesday Book and it has been a corn mill, fulling mill and then paper mill.
"Because of the nature of the water here it was even used to generate electricity for Old Bell House.
"When we bought the property we had no intention of doing any sort of hydro scheme but we had a few people knocking on our door so we ended up paying for a feasability study, which showed it looked plausible.
"It was a bit more than we could afford but then we were approached by a co-op group who said they'd do it.
"We essentially became landlords and leased the site to them, they raised the funds for it all and built it within budget.
"It's up and running and made 175,000kWh in its first year.
"Our house and the Old Bell House are the only properties directly linked to the turbine and draw electricity straight from it. We pay for our electricity but at a reduced rate.
"The rest is sold to the national grid."
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