Laura and Lee Gregory from Chellaston in Derby are the new owners of the landmark 42m chimney after Laura was the highest bidder in the SDL Property Auctions live streamed auction on 30 January.
Describing the purchase of the chimney as “a surprise birthday present” for her husband, Laura said the couple are considering converting the structure, which has a 4-metre diameter, into a “quirky studio space”.
The historic chimney also has a family connection for Laura, whose great grandmother used to work at the mill in Milford. “It was a bit of a spontaneous purchase but I was so thrilled to be able to buy this chimney, which has a special significance for our family down the generations.
“If we can get the required planning consent, we would like to turn it into a studio to make sure it stays part of history, in as close to its original condition as possible, and can be enjoyed for years and years to come,” said Laura.
The brick chimney in Milford dates back to 1901 and is part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The village was constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries to house workers for water-powered textile mills that were some of the first to be built in the Industrial Revolution.
Andrew Parker, auctioneer and partner at SDL Property Auctions, said: “Although we have sold many highly unusual lots over the years, the Milford Mill chimney has to be one of the most extraordinary properties to go under the hammer.
“What a wonderful story that Laura’s great grandmother actually worked in this very mill and now Laura and Lee are the new owners of this unique part of Derbyshire industrial heritage. We wish them lots of luck and hope they get years of enjoyment from the chimney.”
The next live streamed auction held by SDL Property Auctions, with a range of properties and plots of land across the UK up for sale, will be on 27 February. More information can be found at sdlauctions.co.uk.