Historic Somerset Cottage from Bryan Adams Video Sees Price Cut to £50,000
A derelict, 500-year-old cottage that gained fame by appearing in the music video for Bryan Adams' 1990s smash hit (Everything I Do) I Do It for You has been dramatically reduced in price after failing to attract a buyer. The ancient stone building, originally a silk mill nestled in Somerset woodland, was initially listed for £75,000 nine months ago. Now, this crumbling, ivy-covered structure set within 1.5 acres of land is being offered for just £50,000.
Iconic Music Video Location and Celebrity Connections
Canadian singer Bryan Adams, 66, performed in front of Holford Silk Mills for the video accompanying his iconic 1991 single. The track, featured in the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, spent an unprecedented 16 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK charts, a record that still stands today.
The old mill house is situated in the picturesque village of Holford, within the Quantock Hills near Bridgwater, Somerset. This area boasts notable historical and celebrity connections. Poet William Wordsworth resided nearby approximately 235 years ago, often walking in Holford Glen and drawing inspiration from the local waterfall, which he immortalised in his poem Lines Written in Early Spring.
More recently, music legend Sir Paul McCartney became a technical neighbour after purchasing surrounding woodland, which he later donated to the League Against Cruel Sports, ensuring the area's ongoing protection and conservation.
Significant Challenges for Potential Buyers
However, there is a major catch for any prospective purchaser. An application to renovate the building, which was partially destroyed by a fire around 135 years ago, was recently rejected. Estate agents Nest Associates have advised that this decision is unlikely to change, significantly impacting the property's development potential.
The property listing describes the site as: "Set within the peaceful landscape of the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this evocative 1.5-acre site offers a rare opportunity to own a remarkable piece of Somerset's natural and industrial heritage." It highlights gated road access from Holford village, mature woodland, the fast-flowing Holford River, and the atmospheric ruins of the former silk mills.
Rich Industrial History and Current Restrictions
Founded in the late 1500s by Huguenot refugees, Holford's silk mills were once a thriving centre of local industry, powered by the Holford River and benefiting from protective laws that made British silk production highly profitable. The repeal of these laws in 1860 led to an influx of cheaper foreign silk, causing the collapse of many domestic operations.
Around this period, two mysterious fires struck the Holford mill. The second, more destructive blaze brought production to a permanent halt. The listing notes: "Though the looms have long since fallen silent, the site retains a palpable sense of history and tranquillity."
Estate agents suggest the property will appeal to lifestyle buyers, creatives, conservationists, and those passionate about nature and heritage. However, they issue a clear warning: The site has a covenant restricting both hunting and fishing rights, and planning permission to develop the site has been refused in recent years, with this situation unlikely to change.
