You Can Now Stay In This Unique Award-Winning Windmill In Suffolk

This 19th-century windmill was recently converted by Beech Architects into an incredible guest house, complete with a contemporary ‘pod’ that has the most incredible views over the Suffolk countryside.

The Windmill is in a prime spot of Suffolk as it’s just two miles away from the pretty, historic town of Lavenham, which is lined with beautiful medieval cottages, yet guests are far enough into the countryside to enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling hilltops in this rural retreat.

The ‘Pod’ on the fourth floor is undoubtedly the star of the show in this unique converted property, with its grand open-plan living space, cosy furnishings and grand balcony that’s perfect for star gazing (there’s a telescope) or a spot of al fresco wining and dining on the private veranda.

The design for the missing ‘cap’ by Beech Architects was based on traditional boat-building methods, essentially mimicking a ship’s upturned hull, with the ‘skeleton’ of the structure created using bent plywood, while the outside has been expertly clad in 200 individual zinc panels by master craftsmen.

The 18-metre high windmill was formerly a crumbling ‘stump’ that has now been restored and reinstated as a shining local beacon. It was a labour of love for the owner, who embarked on the ambitious self-build project.

On entering the windmill, you’ll be greeted by a spacious ground-floor kitchen-diner that has bi-fold doors, which can be opened up to make the most of the private garden and breathtaking views beyond.

Up the spiral staircase, which is just one element that was custom-designed to fit the unique curving layout of the property, there’s the first-floor bedroom. Despite the unusual shape, the two bedrooms (the second is on the third floor) are spacious and luxuriously decorated with king-size beds, plus the bathroom has a huge freestanding tub and a monsoon rain shower, with fluffy towels and robes of course.

Given its high-standard finish and unique design, the windmill has won numerous awards, plus it’s been nominated for the RIBA Regional Awards 2017.

Prices start from £795 for a two-night stay and the property sleeps four – for more information, click here. Looking for more unique properties to stay in? Why not try this ‘Frying Pan’ tower in the middle of the sea, or some of these architectural treasures including an old coastguard lookout?

About the author

Charlotte Luxford

Architecture & Design Editor

As Culture Trip's architecture and design expert, Charlotte has more than 12 years' industry experience, working for an array of national publications. Prior to joining Culture Trip, Charlotte was the editor of Grand Designs Magazine, steering the magazine in a new direction and overseeing a new look for the title. She has also worked for mass media organisation TI Media, providing content for Livingetc, Ideal Home, Country Homes & Interiors and Homes & Gardens. Charlotte has always had a passion for design and is also a qualified interior designer, having completed a diploma in her spare time. At Culture Trip, Charlotte has worked closely with institutions including the Design Museum and London Design Festival, as well as interviewing design heroes such as Thomas Heatherwick and Sir Terence Conran.