18th Century Windmill B&B with Sea Views
- Near the Sea
- Riverside / Waterfront
- Village / Rural
- Baby Equipment
- Internet Access
- Log Fire
- Beach nearby
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Golf nearby
- Walking
- Watersports
- Cook available
- Ideal for honeymoons
- Other rental properties on site
From 23rd December 2024 to 3rd January 2025
Exclusive use of all 10 rooms sleeping up to 22 adults on self -catering basis.
4 Nights : £4.999.00
23rd -27th December (Christmas )
30th December - 3rd January ( New Year)
Windmill will be decorated with , fairy lights, Christmas tree by the fire in round living room and festive reefs on the bedroom doors.
Cley Windmill dates from the early 18th Century and is a well-known landmark on the north Norfolk coast. It commands breathtaking views over the salt marshes to Blakeney Point and the sea, while nestling comfortably by the old quay, and alongside the flint-walled cottages of the village. A unique building, for a unique holiday in a windmill!
The windmill itself has been converted into a guesthouse of immense character, charm and comfort. The old stables and boathouses are now stylish bedrooms with Dovecote a self catering retreat for independent holidaymakers. We welcome both B&B and Self Catering guests. The windmill is also available for private house parties and weddings, should you wish to entertain your guests in a unique and magical setting - a holiday in a windmill will give them something to talk about! The windmill featured in MGM's 1949 film 'Conspirator' with Elizabeth Taylor and was the scene of various intrigues in the televised Ruth Rendell Mysteries. It featured extensively in David Bellamy's television series and was used for several years, with the sails apparently turning, as the BBC1 continuity link.
The windmill stands on the north side of the village within walking distance of the excellent and unusual village shops. It has uninterrupted views over the sea, the salt marshes and Cley Bird Sanctuary, with Blakeney Harbour in the distance. The large walled garden abuts the river Glaven, surrounded by reeds and tranquillity. Our chefs are making quite a name for themselves all over North Norfolk for their cooking. We cook nearly every evening and it is a very convivial affair.
Getting There:
Going into Cley, head down the hill, past the church on your right to a T-Junction at the bottom. This is the main coast road. Turn right here and wind through the narrow street for about 300 yards, passing the George Hotel on your right. You will see a small brown sign on your left marked "Windmill". This is your last turning and the windmill will appear in front of you - you have reached your holiday in a windmill!
Nearest Airport:
Norwich 20
Nearest Train Station:
Sherringham 8
Nearest Restaurant:
on site
Car Hire:
Advised
Interior Details
A holiday at Cley Windmill has to be one of life's unique experiences, combining character, warmth and comfort. The ground floor includes a magnificent circular sitting room where antique furniture and inviting sofas nestle comfortably around a roaring open fire. The beamed dining room, part of the original warehouse built in 1713, has a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to dine. The upstairs rooms and galleries have stunning views over the marshes and the sea. All our rooms are ensuite, Wheel, Stone and Long have showers, all the rest have baths (Wheat is a French hip style bath) with shower head attachments. Barley has a lovely roll top bath. We also have two single Z beds which can be accommodated in River, Barley or Wheat. They also have TVs. All rooms have kettles and your basket of tea and coffee will be replenished every day.
Exterior Details
The original stables have been converted into a well appointed self catering holiday cottage. This comfortable retreat retains many original features and is available (normally on a weekly basis) throughout the year. It can also be let as a bedroom annex, from which guests can enjoy the normal guest house facilities of the windmill. Small children and babies: we are very happy to welcome families with young children to the windmill but hope you will understand that some of our rooms are not suitable or large enough to accommodate you. If you need to 'stay in touch' you are most welcome to use our free wireless internet access; however this is only available in the dining-room, Millers or Barley.
Further Details
Cley Windmill dates from the 1700s although the tower was not completed until some time later. The Windmill was first offered for sale in the Norfolk Chronicle on 26th June 1819 and passed through several hands during the next one hundred years. In 1921 it was bought by Sarah Maria Wilson and converted into a holiday home - so the idea of having a holiday in a windmill has been around a while! The conversion involved removing most of the working parts and fixing the cap and sails. The old stones, used for grinding the flour, were set into the ground nearby and the warehouses were converted into stables and boat sheds. In 1934 the windmill passed to Sarah's grandson, Hubert Blount, who made many improvements, including replacing the sails in 1960. In 1953 the sea again came to Cley which suffered its worst flooding for 400 years. The windmill stood firm but much of the furniture was damaged or washed away. In 1979 the windmill passed to Charles and Jane Blount (parents of James, who is known to many as the singer and songwriter James Blunt). In 1983 the windmill was renovated and converted into a guesthouse. The sails, fanstage and galleries were replaced in 1988. Colonel Blount and his wife continued to run the windmill until 2005 when it was taken over by their nephew John Woodhouse and his wife Val. They sold the property in 2006 to Dr. Julian Godlee, his wife Carolyn and their four children.
Conditions of Rental
A home-cooked candle-lit dinner (normally served at 7.30pm) is available in the windmill, along with a good selection of wines and spirits. Please book in advance. We are happy to provide an earlier meal at 6pm for younger children. Linen and towels are provided. Deposit required on booking. No smoking. The windmill is available over the Christmas and New Year periods but on a self catering basis only. Please contact us for further information. All rooms have tea and coffee making facilities. Check in times are from 3.00pm onwards every day. The requested departure time is 10.30am every day. Car parking is available at the windmill. We accept Visa and Mastercard but not American Express.