Property writer David Vincent visits a stunning home which was once a working mill and also a youth hostel

East Anglian Daily Times: Nauughton Mill, Nedging TyeNauughton Mill, Nedging Tye (Image: Archant)

There has been a mill at Nedging Tye, one of the highest points in this part of the county, for hundreds of years, serving the local farming community.

Old paintings show a windmill at this spot in the hamlet, which is between Hadleigh, Bildeston and Wattisham.

Naughton has a pub and a church.The Victorian mill remains a landmark building, and is now a stunning private home, with panoramic views over the sur-rounding fields and countryside.

In the direction of Ipswich and Hadleigh there is just rolling countryside to be seen, not even neighbours’ houses.

It is an idyllic, secluded position yet only a few minutes drive in to Hadleigh, Needham Market or Lavenham.

It would be a great place to stay, as a traveller, in order to explore historic Suffolk.

Hundreds of tourists did so, as after the miller stopped producing flour here in 1939, it became a youth hostel for many years, before eventually being turned into a private home.

There were backpackers from all over the world, who stayed here, until it closed for business in 1983.

The current owners have lived here for the past 14 years, and overseen a floor to roof renovation, stripping original oak wooden floors, having wall re-plastered and carpenty work in keeping with its original character features.

This latest mill building is believed to date from the early 1900s.

Today it is a home providing more than 4,000 sq ft of accommodation.

On the ground floor the original engine room is now part of an open plan living area, with a reception hall, a bespoke oak kitchen/breakfast room and a dining room.

It is the heart of the house and light, bright and spacious.

The accommodation is more impressive as you climb the stairs.

On the first floor there is a fantastic sitting room, ideal for entertaining, again with exposed floorboards and an ingle-nook fireplace, and lots of windows.The second floor has four bedrooms, a luxury family bathroom and an en suite shower room.

Then, on the third floor, is the master bedroom suite with long distance views.

The bedroom includes sitting areas with views from the windows, and there is a dressing room and spacious luxury en suite bathroom.

Throughout there are Suffolk latch doors, exposed brickwork and lots of warm natural wood and beams.

The mill also has an integral garage, and a utility room, and lots of built-in storage cupboard space.

Outside it is approached by a gravel drive which leads along the side of the property, to the large garage, and a parking area at the rear.

The garden, which was extended by the addition of former farm land, is mainly to the rear and to the side.

It is now mainly laid to lawn, with established planting offering privacy and seclusion.

There is a kitchen garden and a feature mill pond with a substantial mature willow tree, and a decking area.

The large garage, which ajoins the house, could be developed further subject to the appropriate planning permission. There are views across fields from the garden, and access to footpaths.

Property Facts

Naughton Mill, Nedging Tye

£750,000

Savills 01473 234800