Want to live in a windmill? You can at East Runton for £795,000

The Old Mill in East Runton (Image: Archant)

This former cornmill is a well known local landmark, depicted on the village sign for East Runton and indeed its cap was used by fishermen to help guide them to shore from the distant sea.

It is, quite honestly, the most incredible home because the actual tower has been beautifully converted and the house built not just next to it, as is often the case with such conversions, but all around and inside it.

The tower is an integral part of this home and indeed you can climb right up to the top where there is a viewing platform beneath the fantail where you can enjoy the most stunning panoramic view out to the sea.

The mill dates to 1826 when it was first recorded on a map but by 1926 it was derelict and indeed when the owners spotted it advertised in the EDP back in 1998, they came from London to see it - and amazing though it seems, fell in love with it.

The Old Mill in East Runton (Image: Archant)

It was indeed a complete wreck, open to the sky and covered in pigeon mess. It was such a story when the couple bought it that the EDP followed its progress including when it won the Graham Allen award for conservation and design in 2001.

Many old photographs exist of the mill which had a Georgian house adjacent, now owned by another family.

One photo shows a horse and cart in front of the tower with a man with a long beard and two maids dressed in long skirts and aprons. In 1908 its working life ended when a young girl was struck by a sail - she survived however, but the mill did not.

But when the owners took it on, it was a year before the mill was restored and given new life.

The Old Mill in East Runton (Image: Archant)

There was much ceremony when the 17ft long wooden cap and fantail and horseshoe gallery was installed.

And it boasts some quirky features such as an ingenious fire escape - basically a trap door in the gallery and a rope enabling you to abseil to safety and there is another trap door in the floor of one of the bedrooms so you can move furniture easily.

What you have is a fantastic home which begins with a super rear garden and decked terrace leading into a garden room which leads into a super kitchen with an Aga, open plan with a sitting room, utility and study.

Then you climb the spiral staircase which takes you to the first bedroom in the tower and the most palatial dressing room area and lots of eaves storage. Then there are bedrooms and en suites cleverly fitted into the next two floors in the tower.

The Old Mill in East Runton (Image: Archant)

But that is not it because in the grounds is also a modern annexe, beautifully furnished and with the most glorious orchard and kitchen garden of its own.

This has one bedroom, a kitchenette and shower and leads into a large garage.

If you are looking for something different or have ever wanted to live in a tower mill - this is the place for you.

• The Old Mill, East Runton, is for sale for £795,000 with Arnolds Keys Collection on 01263 512026.