Otterburn Mill Shop & Cafe, Redeview, Otterburn, Northumberland, NE19 1JT

Currently closed but ready for easy re-opening by a new owner, the property comprises popular well known retail outlet, café, museum and adjoining land for sale due to retirement. This original Grade II Listed Mill dates from around 1781, with the main building being three-storey, of stone construction.

Additional storage and the upper floors provide multiple office spaces.

Also potential significant income from the Biomass boiler grant.

Grazing land which subject to planning permission could provide alternative uses.

Situated in the village of Otterburn, which lies on the edge of the Northumberland National Park. Otterburn lies on the A696 close to its junction with the A68 approximately 24 miles north of Hexham and 31 miles north-west of Newcastle upon Tyne. The Scottish Borders are around 16 miles to the north-west. An important road between England and the Scottish borders.

The village lies on the banks of the River Rede. Considering its rural farming location, this thriving village enjoys local amenities including shops, school, 3 very popular wedding venues, church and small sports centre. The village is also home to the Otterburn camp training area, which is one of the largest army training ranges in the UK.

The café is complete with a commercial kitchen and internal seating for around 100 customers, as well as customer toilets. The café had a relatively recent refurbishment, its stylish theme is suited to the rural location and there are numerous interesting features used from the mills past. The café leads into the museum area, where original elements of the Mill are displayed. There are male, female and disabled toilets.

The main retail unit is situated toward the rear of the site and is constructed of stone elevations, predominantly clad in corrugated metal panels to the roof and side elevations. The roof is timber framed, with north lights. Still displaying the stands and rails for showing clothing stock, cash register area with EPOS terminals, changing rooms.

This unique showroom uses some of the original mill workings to add to the ‘destination’ venue Otterburn Mill has enjoyed for many years.

Approximate gross internal area as follows:

Main Building: 1034.87 sqm (11,139 sq ft)

Engine room: 51.45 sqm (554 sq ft)

Stores: 36.90 sqm (397 sq ft)

Retail Shed: 523.89 sqm (5,639 sq ft)

TOTAL: 1647.11 sqm (17,729 sq ft)

SERVICES
The property benefits from a Biomass boiler. The system generates potentially significant income from subsidy payments as part of the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme.

There is mains water supply and drainage

A gas tank provides gas for cooking in the commercial kitchen.

The burn ‘Mill Leat’ runs through the property and drove the Mill when it was in operation. The burn has historically caused flooding. Flood protection measures are in place.

From Royal Rugs to Runway Tweeds: Founded in 1821 by William Waddell, Otterburn Mill evolved from a cottage industry into a textile powerhouse, producing tweeds and pram rugs favoured by royalty—including a bespoke rug for Princess Elizabeth’s pram—and fashion houses like Dior and Schiaparelli. Its legacy includes over 250 years of craftsmanship, mechanisation, and a rich connection to British heritage.

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a piece of Northumbrian history. Unlike the Yorkshire mills which are traditionally built vertically, this and Scottish mills were horizontal. No longer a working mill but many features remain adding to the charm and desire. The business previously operated out of the subject property traded as a popular retail outlet and café. The owners of the business have retired and the business has closed.

The property could be reopened as a retail outlet, museum and café. The current owners have invested in new kitchen/café equipment in 2022, the fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.

The property could also be developed for alternative uses such as other retail uses, a restaurant, garden centre or possibly some form of leisure or holiday accommodation. The buildings may also be able to be converted for residential use. All alternative uses are subject to planning and Listed Building consent being obtained.
The building offers great potential for new owners to invest further in the property and build on the business previously operated from the site.

The property is not registered for VAT and therefore VAT will not be payable on the purchase price.

It is important to note together with the Biomass boiler which attracts grant funding via the Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme covered heating costs and generated a surplus income.

The most recent visitor numbers for Northumberland National Park are for the year 2023-24, when the park aimed to increase visitors to 1.63 million. While the specific total is not stated, the park's 2021-22 report indicated visitor numbers stood at 1.27 million, with 2023-24 data showing a rebound and increased visitor numbers following disruptions from COVID-19.

Recent visitor numbers for Kielder Water & Forest Park are not readily available, but in the last reported period before 2023, Visit Northumberland noted an increase to nearly 370,000 visitors. However, a 2017 report from the Northumberland National Park mentioned approximately 410,000 visitors to the Park, highlighting the difficulty in finding the most current data

As the business is now closed there are no staff to transfer. However, we understand some of the previous workforce is keen to return, this would assist a new owner in reopening quickly.

2023
Retail £608,099
Cafe £404,878
Internet £335,826
Total £ 1,348,803

2024
Retail £550,691
Café £438,506
Internet £154,510
Total £ 1,143,708

Further details available on request.

We have been advised by our client planning permission has been granted for another retail bay to extend at the rear of the site.

The Rateable Value is £28,500 with effect from April 2023. Confirmation of actual business rates payable should be obtained from the local authority.

Our client has exception from paying rates as the property and land is used by the local community for their benefits. Toilets, meetings, parking, and walks etc.

There is a premises licence for the sale of alcohol