15th March 2016
Cley Windmill dates from the early 18th century and is a well-known landmark on the North Norfolk Coast. In Medieval times Cley was one of the principal ports of East Anglia, exporting large quantities of wool and grain. The Windmill featured in MGM’s 1949 film Conspirator starring Elizabeth Taylor, and was also the scene of various intrigues in the television series The Ruth Rendell Mysteries. The Windmill was first offered for sale in the Norfolk Chronicle on 26th June 1819 and passed through several hands during the next 100 years. It was originally converted into bed and breakfast accommodation in 1996 (by the father of singer James Blunt), and since 2006 it has been owned by Dr. Julian Godlee, his wife Carolyn and their four children.
Today, the windmill offers boutique-style bed and breakfast accommodation enabling guests to stay in a truly unique setting. Located close to the old quay and quaint, flint-walled cottages of the popular coastal village of Cley-next-the-Sea, Cley Windmill has been converted into a guesthouse of immense character, charm and comfort. The old stables and boathouses are now stylish bedrooms, whilst the Dovecote provides a self-catering retreat for independent holidaymakers. With breathtaking views of the sea, surrounding salt marshes and across to Blakeney Point, combined with its own large and tranquil walled garden, a stay at Cley-Windmill is a truly memorable experience.
For those with a special occasion to celebrate Cley Windmill provides the perfect setting. Guests can now book the entire windmill for exclusive days or even weeks at a time, making it the ultimate venue for a private house party. For couples looking for a completely unique venue for their wedding or civil ceremony, Cley Windmill can accommodate a variety of needs. Whether a small and informal affair or a larger and more formal event, Cley Windmill conduct ceremonies in the beautiful round Sitting Room for which they hold the wedding licence.
For those staying in the Bed and Breakfast accommodation, breakfast options include a full English breakfast, kippers, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon. Complimenting this are a range of cereals, fresh fruit, toast and fruit juice, plus plenty of tea and coffee. Guests are also able to dine of an evening at the windmill for an additional charge. When it comes to dining, Cley Windmill’s chefs are making quite a name for themselves across North Norfolk for the quality of their cooking. Guests dine by candlelight to cooking of a predominantly old-fashioned, home-made English country style and it is a very convivial affair!
With plenty to do in the area from walks on the beach, bird-watching and even seal-watching at Blakeneny Point, Cley Windmill is truly one of the most enchanting and memorable places to stay in Britain.
For more information on Cley Windmill please visit: www.cleywindmill.co.uk