Building between Omagh and Beragh has seen 200 years of change

AN intriguing marvel of old Ireland has been given a new, modern lease of life.

Nestled along Leap Lane between Omagh and Beragh, an old cobbled building stands proudly above the gentle meander of the Camowen River. Now a stylish contemporary home, this historic site was once a bustling watermill. It has witnessed more than 200 years of change.

This renovated house and watermill lies next to well-known local landmark, the Leap Bridge.

Milling on the site dates back as far as the mid-1700s. Of the original buildings, only two remain: The mill itself and a barn used for drying corn, oats and turf.

The mill, positioned closest to the river, was powered by a waterwheel harnessing the flow of the Camowen.

In the 18th century, watermills became the backbone of Ireland’s economy, enabling more efficient grain processing and requiring purpose-built, durable structures.

By the early 19th century, the Wilson family occupied the site, calling it home for nearly 60 years.

A deeply-religious family, they played a significant role in the local Edenderry Presbyterian Church, with James Wilson serving as an elder there.

During their stay the Wilson family expanded the site to include a turf-drying house and barn, which was recorded in 1848.

The turf house was used by local farmers to dry their corn, barley and turf, and the barn was used to dry grain before it would be taken to the mill to be ground up.

By the early 20th century, ownership passed to George Harvey, who kept the mill running – albeit at a reduced capacity.

In 1920, Mr Harvey advertised for a ‘keen and competent’ kiln-man to help operate the machinery.

Twelve years after, due to the high demand locally, Mr Harvey allowed the mill on his site to be let out for anyone wishing to mill their produce.

Following successes from the letting, the landowner expanded his milling operation.

In another advertisement, Mr Harvey said, “Having overhauled above Mills and put in machinery for fine grinding and oat rolls for crushing, I am now ready to undertake milling in all its branches.

“Stone-ground Indian Meal, Wheatmeal and Oatmeal (is) always on hand.

He added, “By good work and strict attention to business, I hope to merit a share of public patronage.”

This public usage of the mill came to an end in 1949, following the sad passing of Mr Harvey.

After his death, the land which housed the mill and barn was put up for public auction, along with all of its machinery, by Dick and Crawford auctioneers.

However not much was done to the site until 2003, when the vacant site was purchased and developed into a modern, stylish house, which would later go on to finish as a finalist in the BBC NI ‘House of the Year’ competition in 2010.

However today it awaits on a property list for its new residents, with the water-powered mill falling silent after 200 years of use.