Sold! Old Mill gets ’right’ buyers
Iconic building’s guardians love history
Kowie’s Old Mill is changing hands for the 10th time since the historic three-storey building was handed over to harbour developer William Cock as the Kowie Steam Mill in 1849.
In the late ’90s, its then owners renovated the Port Alfred icon, ensuring it kept its historic character.
Inside those solid walls (600mm thick!) are features that include a beautiful yellowwood stairwell and floors, a fitted kitchen and three bedrooms.
The adjacent cottage, part of the property, has another three bedrooms which were also beautifully renovated.
The entire property has possibly the best views in town of the river and, beyond the river mouth, the ocean.
“It’s not so much about the sale, as who the new guardians of the building are,” said Lew Geffen Sothebys International Realty – Port Alfred agent, Mauneen Charter.
“Making sure it went to someone who respects its history was very important to me: I am passionate about the area, and its history, so for me finding the right people has been the real achievement.”
The names of the buyers are still under wraps for now – but what Charter did say was that they were young professionals.
“He used to pass the Old Mill often and he said that one day, he would like to own it,” Charter said. “And that’s just what he’s done.
“They love history, they love everything about the Kowie, they love the river and they are going to do everything in their power to keep as close to the original style and fittings as they can.”
Manager at Lew Geffen Sothebys International Realty – Port Alfred, Antony de Bruin, said: “I am extremely proud of Mauneen who negotiated for over two years with the relevant parties to conclude the sale of this iconic landmark.”