thewindmilldev

A windmill that had been left derelict in a back garden for much of the 20 century has been transformed into luxurious holiday accommodation following a bold conversion project.  

A windmill has won the RICS East of England Tourism and Leisure award. Mill Farm Windmill in Cockfield is a contemporary conversion and reconstruction of a derelict windmill providing tourist accommodation. Nestled in beautiful countryside, the windmill is located two miles from Lavenham, providing panoramic views from the newly-constructed zinc and cross-laminated timber pod.

When it comes to this highly original holiday home almost everything is in the round.

Surveyor Steve Roberts and his wife Natalie knew their dream property presented a conundrum, specifically an absence of straight walls. However, they have quite literally risen to the challenge restoring a 1891 windmill, if not to its former working glory, then modifying its use to fashion an intriguing, high spec holiday home.

A record 31 projects have been shortlisted for this year’s RIBA East regional awards.

Last year the institute chose 25 finalists – itself a record – in the region, which covers Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

When I was very young I had a fascination for Enid Blyton’s Faraway Tree – in particular the treetop home of the character Moonface, where all the furniture was curved to match not only the shape of the tree but also his round, moon-shaped face.

Natalie Roberts can’t quite believe her luck. It’s been nine years since she and her husband Steve bought their farmhouse with a derelict windmill in the garden and yet she is still excited every time she pulls into the driveway. “When we arrive home having been away even just for a day, I can feel myself relax”

Three new homes in Suffolk are among five design and build projects in the county shortlisted for the RIBA 2017 Regional Awards.