North's iconic landmark to go up for auction

A UNIQUE Guernsey landmark is going under the hammer. Vale Mill is up for auction next month.

The States of Guernsey own the building and are selling the mill as part of its property-portfolio rationalisation. Martel Maides will conduct the sale and, although it is not expected to realise a high price, auctioneer Nick Renny said he expects it to attract a lot of interest.

'The word unique is often overused, but I think in this particular instance it fits the bill,' he said. Mr Renny said while there were similar properties in the island, there was nothing quite like the Vale Mill.

'It has superb views and I can see it making a perfect studio or gallery for an artist. It could also appeal to someone with an interest in history and local heritage,' he said.

The last States property to be auctioned was Belvedere House, which sold for £5m. in July.

'Vale Mill is nowhere near the league of Belvedere House, but it is a very unusual property and that in itself has attracted a lot of attention.

'In the past we have sold a granite shed at the top of a slipway for £65,000 and a Martello Tower for £30,000. Those are both good examples of something a little out of the ordinary and Vale Mill is very definitely in that category,' said Mr Renny.