Inside the 11-bed windmill Norfolk hotel where James Blunt grew up as it goes on the market for £2.9million
THE childhood home of James Blunt- a gorgeous windmill hotel once owned by his family - has gone on the market for a staggering £2.9million.
The stunning 11-bed Cley Windmill property in Norfolk once belonged to the popstar's father and had been passed down his family since the 1920s.
They decided to sell up in 2005 to new owners who have used the windmill as a boutique hotel even since - but now they're also flogging it.
The 19th century Grade-II listed property, located on the tip of the coast near Blakeney, is described by as “one of most painted and photographed sites in the country”.
It features a stunning red bricked Georgian tower measuring five storeys tall and has been pictured in countless British paintings, documentaries and even before the start of BBC shows.
There’s a second floor balcony surrounding the windmill and the lucky new owner will get to enjoy scenic views of the countryside.
The cap, wooden sails, fantail and gallery have been recently restored and in recent years the property has been operating as an award-winning boutique hotel.
The Windmill ceased milling just after the Great War in 1921 at which point it was converted to a home.
It’s currently being marketed by Strutt and Parker who confirmed to us that a relative of James Blunt owned the property until 2005.
The singer has frequently spoken of his nostalgia over the windmill and told the BBC back in 2005 that the property had been passed down through his family since the 1920s.
At the time of the interview, James confirmed his father owned the property.
He told the BBC: “My grandparents live in Cley and my dad now has the windmill which is a guest house, so I've spent much time up there.
“A lot of it was at school as well and my dad was sent abroad so often as well with the army.
“It's always been his home and he was completely brought up there.”
The Sun has contacted a representative of James Blunt for more information and we'll update this story when we get a response.
We've also reached out to the current owners who run the boutique hotel.
If you're looking to stay, prices start at £79.50 per person, per night, and there's options for both bed and breakfast or self-catering.
It's been on the property market since mid-July this year after being put up for sale by the latest owners.
Tom Goodley, director of residential agency at Strutt and Parker told The Sun: “It is without doubt one of the most significant coastal landmarks in the east coast of England.”
Miles Shipside, property expert at Rightmove, added: “Cley Windmill is nothing if not effortlessly charming and I have no doubt it’s got even more X Factor appeal because of its links to James Blunt.
"Many Wisemen will be interested in snapping up this property, not least because it’s a beautifully unique building with a rich history that continues to shine through to this day.”
MORE ON PROPERTY
If this property is a bit out of your price range, check out The Sun's My First Home series to see how first-time buyers managed to get on the property ladder.
But don't get caught out as we recently revealed how a "detached London house" on sale for £10,000 is just a falling down shed.
We've also reported how a charming three-bedroom detached house has gone on sale for just £5,000 but you'll need to be prepared to do a lot of work to it.
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