Why did we buy this property in Shell Rock? The mill was here! It was waiting for a new opportunity in its long life. The challenge was to take it from a shell with minimal electricity and no plumbing to an insulated, habitable residence while retaining the charm of the massive wooden beams. The previous owner purchased the mill after the business of milling animal feed closed in 1978. He focused on saving the mill from demolition by straightening it, then working from foundation to roof replacing mortar, windows, doors, siding and shingles. We did the "easy" work - drywalling, tearing up flooring, patching floors where all the belts and chains passed through, building walls, cabinets, insulating, painting and various other chores.
Visitors remind us of the mill's fascinating character which we now take for granted. As a child, Daryl traveled across the bridge with his parents to visit relatives in a nearby town. He would stand up to see the mill. No car seats then!!