This year marks a remarkable milestone for one of Guernsey’s most iconic landmarks.
The Mill at St Martin’s, the home of Catherine Best Jewellery, proudly is celebrating its 200th anniversary. Built in 1825 by local farmer James Ozanne as part of a pioneering cooperative grain store, the Guernsey granite windmill has stood as a beacon of community spirit, craftsmanship and resilience for two centuries.
The tower, crafted from contrasting red and grey granite, together with its sweeping propellers, gave The Mill an iconic silhouette on the island’s skyline. In its working years, the great sails caught the Guernsey winds to power the grinding of grain, a vital service for the community. Though the sails no longer turn, they remain an enduring part of The Mill’s story, symbolising the ingenuity of island life.
Restored by Catherine Best and her family, The Mill has been transformed into a jewellery showroom and workshop location, while retaining its historic character. The building’s distinctive circular granite tower and unique outer wall have made it an attraction in its own right, drawing visitors from across the Channel Islands and beyond.
“The Mill is the best place I could possibly live and work, ” said Catherine Best. “James Ozanne was an absolute genius; he incorporated the red and the grey Guernsey granite in such an amazing and beautiful way. I’m deeply honoured by the fact that it now stands and it will stand forever in Guernsey.”
In 2015, The Mill underwent a significant transformation when its ageing copper dome, originally installed in 1969 by Catherine’s father, needed replacing with a striking 7,000kg zinc dome. Designed by local architects and constructed in Austria, the new roof features a 180° retractable section opening to reveal panoramic views across Guernsey’s west coast. The project was recognised for its innovative design and ingenuity, with its distinctive features showcased on national television and in architectural publications.
“The Mill has always been more than just a building to me, ” added Catherine. “I am deeply proud that we restored it into a home for both my family and my jewellery. Its circular walls hold a very spiritual quality, and every day I draw inspiration from the surroundings and the history embedded in its granite.”
