Nestled within the breathtaking Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a unique property is now up for sale in Somerset — a property with a story that will resonate with both nature lovers and fans of classic 90s music. This 1.5-acre site, featuring the ruins of an old silk mill once immortalized in Bryan Adams’ iconic music video for “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You,” offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of local heritage.
Located in Holford, Somerset, the property encompasses the remains of the silk mill buildings, scenic woodlands carved by the Holford River, and secure gated access with road connectivity from the village. Over time, nature has reclaimed the mills, weaving moss and greenery into the atmosphere, adding to the serene charm and historic gravitas of the site.
Back in 1991, this very mill became the backdrop for Bryan Adams’ unforgettable music video that accompanied his record-breaking single. The song dominated the UK charts for 16 consecutive weeks—an unprecedented achievement—while the mill’s rustic ambiance perfectly captured the evocative, Robin Hood-inspired imagery of the video. Originally part of the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” soundtrack, the song’s powerful association with this setting has etched it firmly into fans’ memories.
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The mill’s history reaches much further back, having been founded by Huguenot refugees in the 1500s and powered by the Holford River as a thriving silk production hub. However, after protectionist laws were repealed in 1860, cheaper foreign silk flooded the market, sparking the decline of British mills. Subsequent fires devastated the site, ending production and leaving behind evocative ruins now embraced by nature.
Beyond music and industry, the surrounding Holford Glen has inspired renowned artists such as poet William Wordsworth, who drew from its waterfalls and woods for his celebrated 1790s poem, Lines Written in Early Spring. Adding to the area’s rich cultural tapestry, Paul McCartney once purchased woodland nearby, donating it to the League Against Cruel Sports to help preserve this treasured natural haven.
Now offered at a guide price of £50,000—a reduction from its previous £75,000 valuation—the site represents not only a remarkable investment but a chance to connect with the region’s deep historical and artistic legacy. The sale is managed by Nest Associates Ltd.