Aylsham Windmill restoration

From a derelict working mill to a carefully restored holiday home, discover the journey behind this unique place.

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The Story of Aylsham Windmill

Aylsham Windmill has a long and fascinating history, originally built as a working cornmill and last used for grinding wheat in the early 1900s.

By the late 1990s, the building had sadly fallen into disrepair. The roof was leaking, the floors were deteriorating, and the windows had become unsafe.  By Spring 1999, it had reached a point where something had to be done.

We decided it really was a case of “all or nothing”.

With the help of Jeremy from Ashwell Renovations in Kerdiston, we began the careful process of restoring and converting the windmill into a place that could be lived in and enjoyed once again.

The work was not without its challenges. The structure itself — an 80ft brick tower — required thoughtful planning and a great deal of hands-on effort. Tim worked full time on the project throughout, bringing together skill, patience and determination to bring the building back to life. By the summer of 2000, what had once been a derelict structure, along with its surrounding outbuildings, had been transformed into a comfortable and characterful three-bedroomed holiday home.

Today, the windmill offers something truly unique — a place where history, craftsmanship and thoughtful restoration come together. We feel very lucky to be able to share it with our guests.

Photo of old postcard of working Mill around 1900
Photo of old postcard of working Mill around 1900
Installing the stairs
Installing the stairs
November 1999.
November 1999.
Soon to be the kitchen area
Soon to be the kitchen area
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Some beams had to be renewed, joists checked and new floors laid.
Some beams had to be renewed, joists checked and new floors laid.
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The inner stud walls.
The inner stud walls.
The stairs presented an interesting puzzle. As the walls are curved and sloping inwards.
The stairs presented an interesting puzzle. As the walls are curved and sloping inwards.
The only tailor made part of the kitchen was the work top
The only tailor made part of the kitchen was the work top
Laying the patio and front step
Laying the patio and front step
Derelict Mill early spring 1999
Derelict Mill early spring 1999
Beams and joists strengthened or replaced.
Beams and joists strengthened or replaced.
Wire basket with roller skates - our hod carrier.
Wire basket with roller skates - our hod carrier.
Hoist on roof, to save some legwork!
Hoist on roof, to save some legwork!
Second floor - now the twin bedroom.
Second floor - now the twin bedroom.
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Plastering the external walls
Plastering the external walls
Tidying up the external brickwork was the first job.
Tidying up the external brickwork was the first job.
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Top brickwork finished. Still a little to do on the windows.
Top brickwork finished. Still a little to do on the windows.
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Lead roof being laid
Lead roof being laid

We hope you enjoy staying here as much as we have enjoyed restoring it!

Tim & Janet

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