Hunsett Mill is a remote water pumping mill,
situated beside the river and upstream
from Sutton Broad. The house was a
residence for the keeper of the mill until
1900, when the advent of electricity
rendered wind-powered pumps obsolete.
Since the end of its working life, the house
has been used as a private residence, but
has remained as an important piece of local
heritage, standing adjacent to the well-
known historic grade 2 listed Hunsett Mill.
Since the whole area around the mill
constitutes protected conservation land,
the aesthetic and sustainable value of
the property is and has been of the utmost
importance. This is why the owners have
recently completed a full restoration of
the listed windmill and a renovation and
extension to the millkeeper's cottage.
— RIBA Manser Medal 2010 for the best
new house in UK
— RIBA Award 2010
— RIBA Stirling Prize 2010 (Longlisted)
— RIBA Stephen Lawrence Prize 2010
(Shortlisted)
— CPRE Norfolk Award 2010
— North Norfolk Environment Awards 2010
— 2009 UKGBC Sustainability Awards
(Sustainable Project of the Year under
£2 million, Shortlisted)
— Institution of Structural Engineers
(Structural Awards 2009, Shortlisted)
— Archdaily Building of the Year Awards
2010 (Homes category, Winner)
Set in a secluded spot on the banks
of the River Ant, Hunsett Mill is a
beautiful millkeeper’s cottage sensitively
restored and extended to create
an award-winning 5-bedroom property
perfect for memorable holidays.
The mill cottage sits next to the
windmill itself, a historic grade II-listed
water-pumping mill recently restored
by one of the country’s last professional
millwrights. Together the cottage and
the mill comprise one of Norfolk’s most
photographed images.
LOCATION
Located in the heart of the Norfolk Broads
National Park, Hunsett Mill's tranquil
setting is complemented by easy access to
nearby Stalham village, where you’ll
find a large supermarket and a full range
of local shops, including a butchers
and several fresh food farm shops. There is
also a Waitrose supermarket that offers
a delivery service in nearby North Walsham.
Distances by car:
— 30 minutes from Norwich
— 2.5 hours from London
— 2 hours from Stansted Airport
— 10 minutes to the beach
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
Despite its secluded location, there is
a wealth of things to see and do in
and around the property, or just a short
drive away, including:
— Wildlife
— Stargazing & Fishing
— Beaches
— Walking & Cycling
— Sightseeing
— Food & Drink
— Boating
— Railways
— Activities for Children
— Golf
WILDLIFE
The property and its garden stand in an
area of special environmental interest,
so the wildlife around the house is abundant.
The protected marshland affords sightings
of extraordinary local birds including bitterns
and marsh harriers (remember to pack your
binoculars) and even the occasional otter.
Most evenings, the barn owl will come to see
who is visiting and early risers can glimpse
the bright blue flash of a kingfisher.
BEACHES
Hunsett Mill is five miles from the coast
and has a number of wonderful,
expansive sandy beaches within easy
driving or cycling distance. The closest
of these are Sea Palling, Waxham, or
Horsey Gap, where at certain times
you can spot seals on the beach or playing
in the shallow water.
Also of note are Winterton, with its
clifftop café, and Mundesley. A little
further up the coast, Holkham is a must.
Crabbing from Cromer Pier is fun for
children of all ages, and boat trips to see
the seal colonies can be taken from
Blakeney harbour.
WALKING & CYCLING
There are dozens of great walks nearby,
from long, empty beaches and windy
clifftops through to boardwalks over
conserved wetlands and tracks along the
Broads themselves. Hunsett Mill
is at the end of a one-mile private lane,
which leads on to Stalham “Staithe”—
home of the Broads Museum—or on
into Stalham village. There is a variety of
walking guides at the Mill.
Being a particularly flat county, Norfolk
is also perfect for cycling. The Mill
provides the perfect starting point for scenic
rides for cyclists of all abilities.
ACCOMMODATION
The property incorporates the original
millkeeper's cottage as well as a
stunning, uniquely designed extension,
and accommodates up to nine people.
Please note that there is no
accommodation in the windmill itself.
The award-winning extension,
designed to reflect the shadow cast
by the original cottage, has greatly
increased and enhanced the space.
Downstairs, the light, airy space is
largely open plan, with full-length
windows offering gorgeous views
of the river, windmill and surrounding
countryside. The ground floor comprises
a spacious kitchen, which opens onto
the large living room and connected
dining area, as well as a snug and a large
utility room and downstairs toilet.
Upstairs, the property has five
bedrooms, all with beautiful views;
two doubles, two twins (which can
be used as doubles), and one single.
There are two bathrooms, one with
a bath/shower and the other a walk-in
shower. The comfortable beds are
made with Egyptian cotton linen, while
fluffy white towels are provided in
the bathrooms.
Outside, as well as the large garden
surrounded by water and fields,
you’ll find a large terrace with a table
and chairs, which is the perfect
spot for lunch or dinner overlooking
the river. At night time, outside
lights illuminate the garden and the
windmill to dramatic effect.
AMENITIES
Hunsett Mill is fully furnished and
offers a host of other useful amenities,
including:
— High speed WiFi
— Two TVs
— Bluetooth Speaker
— Apple TV
— Netflix
— Fully equipped kitchen
— Nespresso machine
— Utility room
— Open fire
— Three bathrooms
— Ample parking
