Could you be the next owner of Tolkien’s Dark Tower?

20.10.2025
Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire

Black Mill House, a possible inspiration for J.R.R Tolkien’s The Two Towers, is set to be auctioned on the 3rd December.

Black Mill House in Waxholme, which has possible links to J.R.R. Tolkien’s famed fantasy novel The Two Towers, offers literature fans the opportunity to purchase an iconic structure and transform the accompanying cottage into a characterful home.

Due to be auctioned by Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire, the property has a guide price of £200,000 – £250,000 (plus fees). The online auction will begin at 12pm on the 29th September and close at 1pm on the 1st October.

Black Mill House


An icon of literature

Enveloped by sweeping agricultural land, the original 60-foot structure of Black Mill in Waxholme once stood in stark contrast to its surroundings, with only the white tower of the nearby Withernsea Lighthouse sharing its ownership of the horizon.

These striking buildings certainly would have impressed themselves on the memory of those who saw them in their heyday, including the legendary fantasy author J.R.R. Tolkien, who was based at an army camp in the area during the First World War.

As a result, Tolkien enthusiasts have suggested that Black Mill inspired the author for the second part of his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Before the top of the mill was removed to enable its transition into a wartime watchtower, photos reveal an imposing structure that bears more than a little resemblance to images of Mordor’s Dark Tower depicted on early cover proposals for the novel.

Today, only a stump of the mill remains, but it is still possible to see traces of the black paint that once made it such an eye-catching feature of the local landscape.


Ready for reimagination

Black Mill House incorporates two properties: the Black Mill, first constructed in the 1600s, and a cottage. The two buildings have been merged as one site for some time but continue to hold separate titles.

The cottage is in need of complete renovation but could be the perfect project for an owner with vision.

The spacious cottage welcomes you inside via an entry porch. From the connecting hallway, you can head to the right into a snug reception room, which boasts a quarry tile floor and a set of French doors that lead you into the garden. On the opposite side of the hallway is an additional reception room or dining room, featuring a fireplace.

The spacious kitchen, which could be reimagined into the perfect haven for an accomplished cook, is positioned at the end of the corridor. Yet more space for relaxing can then be found in the connecting reception room, which benefits from a southern aspect and large windows. Also on the ground floor is a sizeable utility room and a cloakroom/W.C. that could be re-fitted to house a shower or bath.

On the first floor are yet more generously proportioned rooms. There are four bedrooms in total, three of which are doubles. The main bedroom in particular has plenty of light curtesy of the large southern-facing windows. A bathroom and separate W.C. are also based on this floor.

Keen developers will be quick to eye up the opportunities of the additional structures on the land. The cottage has a large, attached garage, which could be converted with the right permissions. There are also several other outbuildings on the site in varying conditions, which could potentially be restored or repurposed with the correct consent.

Those seeking a rural retreat will be delighted by the cottage’s slightly elevated position, which provides beautiful countryside views. The sprawling gardens of the property are sure to appeal to the green-fingered too. To the rear of the property is a more private space, whereas the south and west sides of the building boast large lawned and landscaped areas.


A fascinating prospect

“The house has significant potential and there are a number of good-sized outbuildings that may also be of particularly interest to purchasers,” commented Chris Ray, Auction Valuer for Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire.

“The remains of the mill form a distinctive landmark and are a strong reminder of days past. Even without the Tolkien connection the area has a rich history; over the ages there have been some significant towns and villages lost to the sea, a mysterious occurrence that may also have inspired the author. Indeed, on some of the beaches in the area it is possible to see the remains of ancient forests.

“Black Mill House is truly a fascinating prospect that will make a lovely home for someone.”

To learn more about the property, view the legal pack or register to bid, please visit the Auction House Hull & East Yorkshire website. Viewings can also be arranged by calling the team on 0845 400 9900.

News Article