Flour power: converted 18th-century windmill with breathtaking 360-degree views over Derbyshire for sale
If you’re bored of predictable boxy rooms, you might want to head to Derbyshire, where a converted 18th-century windmill with bucket-loads of character is awaiting a new owner.
The Tower House blends period features dating back to 1715 with all the mod-cons you’d expect from a contemporary family home.
On the market for a guide price of £850,000, it has five bedrooms, three reception rooms, a large family bathroom and a cedar-clad, stone-floored indoor pool suite reminiscent of a countryside spa retreat.
The real highlight, however, is the so-called ‘tower room’ at the top of the windmill, currently used as a drinks area.
Its 360-degree views across the Trent Valley will have even the most hard-to-impress visitors in raptures, while its original oak mill beams and conical roof add further charm.
There are traditional servant’s bells in the marble-tiled reception hall and a log burner in a stone-surround fireplace, beamed ceilings and a stone bar area in the main sitting room.
The dining room is at the base of the tower, its circular shape crying out for a big round table to while away the hours at with dinner party guests, and the airy L-shaped kitchen has granite worktops, a range cooker, and French doors and windows overlooking fields.
The aforementioned planning permission refers to the creation of a bigger breakfast kitchen area, day room and utility room here, as well as the addition of a sauna by the pool.
Upstairs is the en-suite master bedroom with its twin sinks and walk-in shower, two bedrooms to the rear and two in the tower with exposed beams and brickwork.
Those hoping to work from home will appreciate the vaulted studio that sits above the newly-built four-bay garage. It was built for use as an office but has the potential to be converted into a spacious annexe for family members, guests or staff.
Outside, there are just shy of two acres of grounds, featuring an orchard, twin patios, landscaped gardens and an ornamental pond with a waterfall feature.
There is enough space for equestrian usage if desired, with scope to buy more land separately.
For many years, the once working windmill produced flour for the local community, before being converted into a home and extended in 1914.
It has been lovingly renovated in recent years by the current owners, who have lived here for over a decade.
They were initially drawn to it for its character and stunning looks, before its peaceful and private location completely surrounded by farmland sealed the deal.
“If we hop in the car we can be in Derby, Nottingham, Burton or even Loughborough in a matter of minutes,” says Jeff.
“We’re also less than a mile from the newly-opened Mercia Marina, with its shops, bars and restaurants. It’s a house and location that, combined, tick a lot of boxes.”
The property was in need of some TLC when they bought it, so they ended up stripping everything back and almost starting from scratch.
“It was re-roofed, we put in a new kitchen and new bathrooms, the swimming pool was completely overhauled…you name it, we did it.”
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Jeff’s favourite room is the tower room. “It’s at the top of the old windmill, which now looks more like a lighthouse as it has 16 windows that go right the way around,” he says.
“On a clear day, the views are pretty spectacular.”
Moving on will be a wrench for the family, who have enjoyed a “really amazing quality of life” while living here.
“We feel a real sense of achievement at having transformed a rather tired house into a stunning home and we hope its new owners will enjoy it every bit as much as we have.”