Let’s be Blunt... you’d love living in a windmill
ONE word to describe Cley Windmill in Norfolk? It’d have to be beautiful … And not just because the Georgian windmill is in an area of outstanding natural beauty – it also happens to be the childhood home of ‘You’re Beautiful’ singer James Blunt.
One of the most painted and photographed sites in Britain, its red brick tower rises five storeys, with a second-floor balcony and cap gallery to take full advantage of the spectacular setting.
The white-painted beehive timber cap, wooden sails, fantail and gallery have all been recently restored to their former glory, and the Grade II-listed windmill is now for sale for only the second time in 100 years.
Its beamed dining room, study and Miller’s Room date back to around 1713, although the windmill tower was completed later. When milling stopped not long after the First World War, Cley Windmill was converted into a private home.
James Blunt’s family are believed to have inherited the property in the 1960s, converting it into the holiday accommodation it now is. When they sold it, it continued to be used for holiday accommodation, most recently as an award-winning boutique hotel.
Although extensively renovated by the current owners, the windmill still retains much of its unique character with huge timbers and beams remaining throughout, originating from the windmill’s industrial past, along with exposed brickwork and the occasional gargoyle.
The ground floor houses a sitting room and large dining room, and a kitchen/breakfast room.
Seven bedroom suites on the upper floors have been named after their original use and vary in size and original features.
The windmill has full performance, alcohol and wedding licences and hosts around 50 weddings and house
The principal bedroom dominates the first floor, along with a luxury en-suite and a good-sized walk-in wardrobe. To the rear of the property is another double bedroom with similarly large en-suite.
The top floor has three bedrooms, family bathroom, and a utility/kitchenette.
Holly Lodge is for sale with Savills for £2,795,000 (savills.com). parties each year. It can sleep up to 24 guests, and cater for 32 in its dining room.
In addition to the Blunt family connection, Cley Windmill is also a star in its own right having been used as the location for Grandpa in My Pocket on CBeebies among numerous other TV and film credits.