West Cocalico’s Highland Mill: A Living Relic from Lancaster County’s Milling Era

On a quiet stretch of Texter Mountain Road in West Cocalico Township stands one of Lancaster County’s enduring landmarks from a nearly forgotten past—Highland Mill. Also known historically as Bechtel’s Mill, this centuries-old structure has borne witness to nearly 250 years of industry, ingenuity, and transformation. When it was rebuilt in 1840, Lancaster County was home to an estimated 383 mills—bustling centers of agricultural life and economic activity. Today, fewer than 100 of those mills remain standing, and only two are still operational. Highland Mill, although long retired from grinding grain and pressing cider, remains a rare and beautifully preserved testament to that vanished era.

Colonial Era Roots

The story of Highland Mill begins as early as 1777, when an oil mill is believed to have operated on the property. These facilities used grinding and pressing techniques to extract oil from seeds, fruits, and other plant materials—an essential process in early American agriculture. By 1820, the site had evolved into a grist mill under the ownership of Samuel Harnish, providing a vital service to the region’s farmers by grinding grain into flour and meal. Just two years later, Jacob Bechtel acquired the property, and his name would become forever linked with the mill’s long and storied legacy.

In 1840, the mill was rebuilt into a towering 3.5-story stone structure—an impressive feat of engineering and craftsmanship. It drew its power from Harnish Run, a stream fed by Texter Mountain, which rises to 1,183 feet and holds the distinction of being Lancaster County’s highest point. Water traveled nearly half a mile through a 2,600-foot headrace to reach the mill, where it powered a combination of a turbine and an overshot wheel. At its peak, Highland Mill produced up to eight barrels of flour per day and operated as a vital hub for the local economy, grinding grain, sawing lumber, and pressing cider for the surrounding farming community.

Ownership passed from Jacob Bechtel to William Bechtel in 1864, then to Samuel Binkley in 1889. Binkley’s son-in-law, Monroe P. Noll, took over in 1901, continuing the family operation into the early 1930s. The mill changed hands several times within the Noll family before falling vacant by the 1960s.

A New Life Through Restoration

The story didn’t end there. In 1985, artist and educator Ned Foltz and his wife, Gwen, breathed new life into the abandoned structure. Their careful restoration transformed the old mill into a stunning residence, earning national recognition in the November 1995 issue of Country Living Magazine.

Then in 2023, the property changed hands again, and its current owners undertook a meticulous two-year renovation, preserving the character of the original mill while seamlessly incorporating luxurious, modern amenities. From handcrafted hickory floors and exposed stone walls to a 1,000-bottle wine cellar and restored spring-fed pond, every element tells a story.

Now Offered for Sale

Today, Highland Mill—located at 1700 N Texter Mountain Road—is ready for its next chapter. This 3.5-level residence seamlessly combines 18th-century craftsmanship with 21st-century upgrades. With three full bathrooms, two kitchens, custom tile work, multiple outdoor living spaces, and a fully sprinklered interior, the property is move-in ready for either full-time living or potential short-term rental use.

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The nearly two-acre parcel offers privacy, historic charm, and easy access to some of the region’s best outdoor recreation, from the Conewago Trail to Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area.

This is more than a home—it’s a piece of Lancaster County’s living history. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a restored historic property rich in character and craftsmanship, Highland Mill may be your once-in-a-decade opportunity. Click here to see the full Zillow listing.

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Resources

• Highland Mill / Bechtel’s Mill
• Highland Mill Aka Bechtel’s Mill
• 1700 N Texter Mountain Rd, Reinholds, PA