Cley Windmill, a historic 10-bedroom property where British singer James Blunt spent a significant portion of his childhood, has been listed for sale at £2.65 million. The Grade-II listed structure, a recognizable landmark in Norfolk, England, offers unobstructed views of an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The windmill, parts of which date back to 1713 with its tower added in 1819, was a working mill until 1921. It was then converted into a holiday home, a project reportedly supported by Mary, Duchess of Bedford. The property, which spans 4,333 square feet, has become a frequently photographed site, with its 70-foot sails creating a distinctive silhouette against the marshlands.
Blunt's family owned the windmill for over seven decades. His grandfather inherited the site in 1934, passing it to the singer's father, Charles, in 1979. During the 1980s, the property was transformed into a guesthouse where Blunt would spend his school holidays. His former bedroom is now known as the Stone Room. The family sold the property in 2006, the same year Blunt achieved a number one hit with "You're Beautiful." The windmill last changed hands in 2019 for approximately £3 million.
Currently operated as a guesthouse and wedding venue, Cley Windmill features nine en-suite bedrooms, with six located within the mill itself. The interior has been restored and refurbished, retaining exposed beams and original brick and flint work. Traditional brick fireplaces remain intact.
The property includes 0.6 acres of gardens with a formal lawn, enclosed by flint walls, and a reed bed leading down to the River Glaven. A private timber jetty provides access to the water. The guesthouse business has a reputation for repeat clients and referrals.
Estate agents Strutt and Parker are handling the sale. James Robinson, an estate agent involved in the listing, noted that the property offers buyers the opportunity to acquire an established business or adapt it to their needs. Potential uses include continuing its operation as a guesthouse and wedding venue, converting it into a smaller guesthouse or private residence with letting cottages, or using the main building as a private home while retaining outbuildings for holiday accommodation, subject to necessary permissions.
Cley Windmill is situated near the coastal village of Cley-next-the-Sea, which offers various amenities. The adjacent Cley Marshes are recognized as a significant bird reserve. The listing emphasizes the property's unique position and iconic status, offering uninterrupted views across the marshes to the sea, while being centrally located within the village, known for its independent shops, pubs, and community spirit. The village is within a Conservation Area, preserving its original character.