Old abandoned Staffordshire mill now a luxury home

It was used as a dumping ground by fly-tippers and on the verge of falling down after lying abandoned for 50 years.

Now the 18th century mill that supplied the world-famous Wedgwood Potteries industry has been transformed into a stunning family home.

The two-year rebuilding project in Staffordshire can be seen tonight on Channel 4s The Restoration Man, presented by architect George Clarke.

Owners chartered surveyor Alan Appleby and his wife Dora said they will be watching the programme from behind the sofa.

The Grade II-listed structure in Mill Street, Stone, had begun to collapse when the couple began the rescue project in 2011.

Mr Appleby said: George described it as knackered and my father, whos 95 and was in the construction business all his life, said he wouldnt touch it.

Even my surveyor friends said Do you know what youre doing? It was that bad.

The old building had been rocked to its roots over the decades but its given good service to a number of trades and industries.

Now weve given it a new lease of life, not only as our home but as a base for my own business.

The Applebys believed their project would be perfect material for The Restoration Man.

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Old abandoned Staffordshire mill now a luxury home