Historic Derbyshire Landmark Goes to Auction: Milford’s 42m-Tall Mill Chimney with £5,000 Guide Price

A Grade II-listed brick mill chimney in Milford, near Belper, Derbyshire, is set to go under the hammer this month, offering bidders a chance to own a striking piece of industrial heritage. The 42m-tall chimney, part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, is listed with a guide price of just £5,000.

Milford, an industrial village built between 1780 and 1850 by the Strutt family, was home to some of the world’s first mechanised cotton mills. Its landmark chimney, constructed in 1901 to replace an earlier structure, stands prominently along the A6 and is visible for miles.

This unique property is one of over 100 properties and plots of land due to be featured in a live-streamed auction on 30 January, held by SDL Property Auctions, part of Eddisons. Auctioneers suggest potential uses for the structure, which has a 4m diameter and is in good condition, could include conversion into a “quirky studio” (subject to planning consent) or repurposing as a communications or advertising platform.

Andrew Parker, auctioneer and partner at SDL Property Auctions, commented:
“Our team has extensive experience selling unusual lots, from nuclear bunkers to Welsh reservoirs, but this is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary. It has already drawn significant interest from industrial history enthusiasts eager to acquire their own slice of heritage.”

He added:
“The chimney has become surplus to requirements following the redevelopment of surrounding mill buildings and will be sold to the highest bidder. We’re all curious to see who will purchase this imposing structure and what they plan to do with it.”

To learn more or register to bid (remotely online, by phone or proxy), visit sdlauctions.co.uk. The live-streamed auction takes place on 30th January, with bidder registration closing on 29th January.