Savills Portugal

It is always a pleasure to be able to elaborate on the history of a home, often providing an interesting conversation starter and helping potential buyers feel more engaged.

The Windmill in Braziers End, Chorlesbury, Buckinghamshire, is one such property – an inspirational home that has fired the imagination of many creative people, from authors and artists to actors and broadcasters.

There has been a mill of one type or other on the site since the 17^th century, with the current building converted to a private residence in 1913.

The first owners were Gilbert Cannan and his wife Mary – who had previously been married to Peter Pan author JM Barrie – and the couple invited many friends who had links to the arts. Reputed visitors included novelists DH Lawrence and Katherine Mansfield, along with artist Mark Gertler who painted a famous picture of the mill which is now in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.

When the Cannans left the property was rented by American actress Doris Keane, who used it as a weekend retreat while appearing in London theatre productions. In the 1930s it was used as a studio by artist Bernard Adams. In more recent years it was the home of Sir David Hatch – director of BBC radio and a former member of the Cambridge Footlights alongside John Cleese, Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graham Chapman.

Great care and attention to detail has gone into refurbishing the property over the years. Each of the previous custodians has carried out some work or other, gradually improving and updating as time has gone by. This includes the current owners who have used materials and a design that copied the Victorian originals to replace the cap, sails and fantail so that they are now in full working order.

The historic character of the property is evident throughout. The main entrance opens into a circular reception hall which makes a wonderful first impression, leading into what would once have been the miller’s cottage and which is now home to two bright and spacious reception rooms.

The new living spaces have been cleverly designed and there are several modern touches such as the family-sized kitchen/breakfast room and bathrooms. Many of the bedrooms have lovely far-reaching views of the gardens and surrounding countryside, while the original fly wheel is on display in the dining room.

Owning such a unique property can be a very rewarding experience. It would suit anyone who wants a historic home in a fabulous location – a property they can be proud to own and which will provide a real talking point for family and friends. It’s a very picturesque and rural setting, yet towns such as Chesham, Amersham and Berkhamsted – with their links into London and range of amenities – are within easy reach.

As The Windmill’s list of illustrious former owners attests, it’s a very special place that really gets the creative juices flowing. So if artistic inspiration is what you're after, it might be exactly what you’re looking for.