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Cley Windmill

Cley-next-the-sea, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 7RP
Telephone: 01263 740209
Fax: 01263 740209

Cley Windmill dates from the early 18th Century and is a well known landmark on the North Norfolk Coast. The Mill itself has been converted into a small guesthouse of great character and charm and the old stables and boat sheds transformed into self catering accommodation.

The Mill stands of the north side of the village in a position of great peace and beauty and yet within reach of excellent village shops. It overlooks Blakeney Harbour, the salt marshes and Cley Bird Sanctuary.

In medieval times the prosperous port of Cley was centred near the magnificent church of St Margaret of Antioch. The town was one of the principle ports of East Anglia, exporting large quantities of wool and grain. The River Glaven was navigable as far as Glandford and ran into the sea half a mile north west of the village. Large ships used to come to the wharves at Newgate to collect flour from the earlier Post Mill, situated on what is now known as Mill Hill.

In the early 17th Century the river began to silt up as a result of reclamation done by Sir Henry Calthorpe and new wharves were built near deep water by the present quay. The present windmill dates from the 1700s, although the tower was not completed until some time later. The Customs House and other prominent buildings were also built at this time, when much of the old town was destroyed by fire.

The Mill was first offered for sale in the Norfolk Chronicle on June 26th 1819 and passed through several hands during the next hundred years. The best known of the millers was Steven Barnabas Burroughs who worked and owned the Mill from 1840 to 1919, after which it fell into disrepair. In 1921 it was bought by Sarah Maria Wilson and converted into a holiday home. 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 Mill passed to her grandson, Hubert Blount, who did many improvements, including replacing the sails in 1960. During the war years the Mill was used more by his Aunt, Sister Rachel who, with another nun, Sister Catherine, became legends in the local area. The Duchess of Bedford, who was finally lost at sea flying her own aircraft, was one of the frequent visitors during this period.

In 1953 the sea came again to Cley, which suffered its worst flooding for 400 years. The Mill stood firm but much of the furniture was damaged or washed away and a sea wall was built around the remainder of the village. In 1979 the Mill passed to Charles Blount and in 1983 was renovated and converted into its present form. With help from English Heritage the sails, fanstage and galleries were replaced in 1988.

The conversion of the Mill in the 1920's and the recent improvements have resulted in a unique home combining comfort with character. The ground floor rooms include a magnificent circular sitting room where family paintings adorn the walls and antique furniture nestles comfortably round a roaring open fire. The beamed dining room, built in 1713, has a warm and friendly atmosphere in which to dine. The upstairs room and galleries have magnificent views over the marshes, Blakeney Harbour and the sea.

On the ground floor

The River Room - Originally used to store grain from the Continent, the River Room has been converted into a spacious bedroom, with a pine double bed. A door leads straight onto the lawn and the room overlooks the River Glaven and the marshes. It has a private bathroom.

The Miller's Room - This is the original room lived in by the miller. It is a cosy double bedroom with hand painted furniture and panelled walls. It has a private bathroom and its own entrance.

Windmill, Bedroom, 11K

On the first floor

There are two bedrooms, two bathrooms (one en-suite) and a separate lavatory

The Wheat Chamber - A beautiful circular room with twin beds (convertible into a king size double), its own en-suite bathroom and fine views across the marshes.

The Barley Bin - A large double or twin bedded room with a sofa and television. Fine views over the village and marsh and a classic Victorian bathroom en suite.

On the second floor

The Stone Room - A dramatic circular room with an antique pine double bed and magnificent beams, on which the original grinding stones once rested. There is an en-suite bathroom (with shower, lavatory and hand basin) and a private doorway onto the balcony which encircles the Mill. Guests are advised that the public also have access to the balcony for three hours during the afternoon.

The three upper floors of the Mill consist of an observation roomn, full of historic photographs, the wheel room, with much of the original machinery, and the cap itself with access onto the upper gallery. The views from here are nothing less than spectacular.

The Bed and Breakfast prices include a full English breakfast. Coffee and tea making facilites are available in all bedrooms. A delicious three course dinner is served every evening; it is normally taken family style at one long table. The Mill has a full residential licence. Beer, wines and spirits are available for residents and their guests at reasonable prices.

Telephone and fax facilites are available.

Self Catering

The original stables and boat sheds have been converted into three studio apartments. These are comfortable holiday retreats retaining their original characters. They are available (normally on a weekly basis) throughout the year. They can be let, either as self catering units or as bedroom annexes, from which guests can enjoy bed and breakfast or the half board amenities of the Mill.

The Long House - accommodates two people and has views over the river Glaven towards the marshes.

The Boat House - also accommodates two people and is situated in the courtyard offering dramatic views of the Mill itself.

The Dovecote - newly available, this delightful cottage sleeps four in comfort and overlooks the mill.

Lounge, 11K

Each apartment is equipped with the following: cooker, mocrowave, fridge, TV and electric heaters. China, cultery and cooking utensils are provided, and the beds have continental quilts. Linen and towels are provided for self caterers at no extra cost.

Prices 2002 Prices per person per night, including breakfast.
	Stone Room Wheat Chamber Barley Bin	The River Room	Millers	The Boat House and Longhouse
Friday and Saturday	£56.00	£45.00	£44.00	£40.00
Sunday to Thursday	£44.00	£40.00	£39.00	£37.00
These prices are based on double occupancy Three nights or more - 5% discount
Supers and Barley Bin have been combines to make a stylish double bedroom with a classic en suite bathroom
Three course dinner £17.50

Self Catering Prices per week during July/Aug/Sept
Longhouse (sleeps2)
Low season	from £170 - £200
High season	from £250 - £290
Boathouse (sleeps 2)
Low season	from £170 - £180
High season	from £230 - £270
Dovecote (sleeps 4)
Low season	from £290 - £320
High season	from £390 - £430
Please contact Jeremy Bolam for reservations
All bedrooms are non smoking areas The above prices include VAT at 17.5% We require a 25% deposit when making your reservation

Why not visit the Cley Windmill home page?

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