The San Joaquin Mill, Maro, just outside Nerja, southern Spain.

A huge amount of sugar cane was grown in the Nerja area from the 16th century onwards (nowadays, the surrounding fields grow mango, papaya and avocado along with other crops). The first sugar factory was opened in Nerja in 1588, amazingly enough, and there were several others.

The San Joaquin mill was built in 1884. It was originally owned by the Marquis de Tous, closed in 1911 and re-opened in the 1930s. I haven’t been able to find out when it finally closed but it is now roofless and pretty derelict, although its chimney   (with an interesting criss-cro ss brickwork pattern) still stands, along with the waterways running between the buildings and an impressive sense of worth – the location and the views are more than remarkable.  An incredible place, now lost in the rubble.

Ottermill Switchgear factory site, Ottery St. Mary, Devon.

So this site is known by many in the East Devon area – Ottermill Switchgear factory site was built in 1788 in order to create a new manufactory at Ottery, for the carding and spinning of wool, using the recently-invented water frame machinery. At the same time, the original corn mill, which had stood here for 700 years, was demolished, and a new, much bigger one built. In 1824 the enterprise was converted to the manufacture of silk, and up to 400 female workers were employed. In 1897 the factory was sold to Keetch & Co, brush manufacturers, the first of several subsequent owners. The newer part of the complex was once Ottermill Switchgear, which later became Eaton Cutler & Hammer Ltd, which closed down in 2003. Today the mill site and the adjoining factory is unoccupied, awaiting re-development.  I was unable to enter the factory building itself however was much more lucky with the mill building – a quick hop and I was in there and able to see the beautifully wonky rooms whose windows led out onto the picture perfect view of the tumbling weir outside – a circular, vertical water vent from one tributary to the river Otter.  A truly unique place, which seems to be starting the first phase of development, fingers crossed; so it will be given a chance to be saved from being lost in the rubble…

Old mill, near Malmedy, Belgium.

Malmedy is a quaint little French-speaking town on the German border of  Belgium.  Having stayed the night by a river in my van I woke to see an abandoned mill dating back to 1785 close-by.  Under further investigation the mill and house looked as if it used to be a happy family home, however for whatever reason, the land surrounding the old stone building had become severely overgrown and the walls decrepit.  The town itself had an extremely peaceful and chirrupy feel to it, disguising its previous history: the Malmedy massacre occurred in 1944, 84 American prisoners of war were executed by German soldiers and afterwards the town was bombed by American troops 3 times even though it was itself under U.S protection.  Around 200 civilians were killed during this period and many buildings destroyed.  I’m not sure whether this mill’s abandonment was linked directly to this period of unrest, my guess is that it became empty much later, (due to the tell-tale signs like an old, battered Scrabble box!) however if in 10 years time I am rich I will return to the plot of land and rebuild it to its former glory – as it was truly a beautiful setting, and establishment, now lost in the rubble.