In a significant cultural loss for the Isle of Wight, the cherished Watermill attraction in Calbourne is set to permanently close its doors later this month.
The site, renowned for its continuous flour milling for over a millennium, has succumbed to financial and structural woes.
In December, a critical breakdown occurred when the pit wheel, a vital component for operation, broke. The repair costs are steep, demanding a sum of £70,000. Apparently this is a different issue to the repairs carried out last year, as seen on Jewel of the South Channel 5 series.
Efforts to raise the necessary funds through a crowdfunding appeal fell short.
A series of unfortunate events
Compounding the financial strain, a fallen tree recently inflicted significant damage on an historic barn within the premises.
These setbacks have occurred against the backdrop of the entire site being on the market for the past few years.
Decision made with a heavy heart
Without a buyer and facing mounting repair costs, the decision to close has been made with a heavy heart. The historic mill itself is in dire need of repair.
However, it’s not just the mill that visitors will miss; the site also houses a museum, a collection of vehicles, and various artifacts, all of which will be auctioned off in May.
Final days and future auction
Islanders and visitors have a narrow window until 14th April to experience the Watermill attraction one last time.
After this date, the site will officially close, with plans to auction everything except the historic mill itself.
A piece of living history
This closure marks the end of an era for Calbourne and the Isle of Wight, as a piece of living history fades into memory.
The auction on 4th May (contact HRD Auction Rooms for more details) will likely attract interest from collectors and historians, eager to preserve a fragment of the site’s rich heritage.
Find out more
However, the loss of the Watermill as an operational attraction and educational resource is a blow to the local community and its cultural landscape.
Our thoughts are with the water mill’s owner, Sally Chaucer, and all the staff at the attraction.
Visit the website for more information.
