In 2012, deVOL bought a run-down water mill, which dates back over 1000 years, on the outskirts of Loughborough; 12 stunning acres of meadows and river banks, a rambling five-storey building with several outhouses and a big car park.
For the last 30 odd years, this place had been a pub which had gone through various owners and a rocky reputation, before finally being left empty for several years. There was no doubt it was a special place but no one had really given it the time and money it deserved. Underneath the dated pub decor and cold unwelcoming exterior, we could see potential. A perfect location to show deVOL off in a whole new way, the ideas for this property sometimes seemed like a pipe dream but we knew we had to do it; Paul, and now Robin - the Managing Director of deVOL, were able to purchase this beautiful landmark building and none of us have ever looked back.
A decade later, Cotes Mill has become an extraordinary place both inside and out. We have created four floors of beautiful kitchen showrooms with all our handmade furniture on display, intermingled with an eclectic mix of our lights, rails, stools, tiles, gifts, vintage pieces and unusual things for your home and garden. With lots of vision, flair, hard work, a careful sensitive approach and sometimes a bit of craziness, this fabulous mill has become one of the most incredible places to run a business from.