£1.8m Converted mill is picture perfect

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You could wake up every morning in the home that inspired great works of 20th century art. This five-bedroom converted watermill in Hythe once housed the studio of Australian impressionist artist Arthur BakerClack.

The artist lived in Kent for the later part of his life and was Chairman of the Folkestone Art Society for their first exhibition in 1935. When he died in 1955, he left a portfolio of his art to the town of Hythe.

That’s not the only fascinating part of this unique home’s intricate history.

Early documentation of the property can be found as far back as 1685. However, in the

1850s, local miller George Burch owned the property and his eldest daughter is said to have run a school out of the mill house’s living room. Another one of his children helped run the mill until her death in 1932, when the mill ceased operation and was put up for auction.

Stuart Brown then bought the watermill and looked after it for the next 50 years, during which time the Australian artist began using the Uppermill for his studio.

The final owners, up until now, were the Marston family, who purchased the property in 1982 and worked tirelessly to restore the mill to its former glory. In 1992, they managed to get the water wheel turning again after 60 years and, in 1993, the flour was milled once again.

This enchanting home is now on the market for £1.8m and includes the five-bedroom Mill House, the self-contained two-bedroom Uppermill and the beautiful original mill.

With its rich history, spectacular interiors, breathtaking gardens and only a short walk to Hythe’s picturesque canal and two-mile stretch of beach, this home doesn’t leave many boxes unticked. l

To book an appointment or for further sales information, call 01580 720161