Windmill B&B in Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, England

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.