Vale Mill to join Open Market after restoration

Vale Mill, one of Guernsey's most recognisable historic sites, is set to join the island's Open Market amid major restoration work.

The move makes the mid‑19th Century 69ft (21m) tall stone tower the first property to qualify under the new "exceptional circumstances" rules brought in last year.

The tower was given an Open Market listing in principle by the Committee for Housing because of its cultural importance.

Developer James Ridout said: "Without it, further investment was simply unviable and there was a risk the building would once again fall into disrepair and potentially be permanently lost."

The mill was first built in 1770, rebuilt in granite in 1854 and later used as a German observation post during the World War Two occupation. It has been privately owned since 2008.

Planning officials have already signed off plans to turn the protected building into a six‑storey, four‑bedroom home with a rooftop viewing deck, underground extension, terrace, garaging, a floating sunroom and walkways around the quarry beside it.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva‑Miller, vice president of the Committee for Housing, said members wanted to "encourage the development of homes and to preserve buildings that form part of our historic and cultural heritage".

"The award of this inscription in principle should help bring the significant investment that a property of this unique nature requires," she said.

The tower will be fully inscribed on the Open Market register once the development is completed in line with approved planning permissions.

Open Market homes can be bought by anyone and usually cost more, while Local Market homes are for people with a local licence or right to work and make up most of Guernsey's housing.

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