Alford Windmill
Holiday Let
Volunteer Opportunities
Working Windmill
Project Overview
This Grade 1 listed mill is an architectural marvel, standing over 30 metres tall and encompassing six floors. The mill, a testament to historical craftmanship and industrial ingenuity, continued its work until 1955, playing a significant role in the local economy and community.
With £1.1 million in funding, this historic mill, now listed on the Heritage at Risk register, will be restored and transformed into a major attraction. The project includes the development of a new visitor experience, complete with a café and shop, ensuring the mill’s preservation and revitalisation for future generations.
The Journey So Far
February 2024
Professional team appointments.
July 2024
Planning submitted.
October 2024
Planning committee.
October 2024
Planning permission granted.
Project Goals
The investment of £1.1 million will be allocated towards the refurbishment of the existing Millers Cottage into a premium holiday let and staff office, as well as the construction of a new visitors centre featuring a café and shop.
Visitor Centre
A new visitors centre incorporating a café and shop, will generate revenue to support ongoing maintenance and conservation, ensuring the historic Windmill site remains open as a visitor attraction.
Millers Cottage
Millers Cottage will be refurbished into a charming holiday let, and a modern office space for staff and trust operations.
Sail Shed Conversion
The former café, known as the Sail Shed, will be transformed into a dynamic eduational space where both school groups and adult visitors can learn about the 'farm-to-fork' principle.
Old Shop Conversion
The old shop & store will be transformed into a dedicated display area and storage space for the Thompson collection.
Enhancing Ecology
The site will feature enhanced ecology, attracting not only human visitors but also a variety of wildlife.
External Works
External enhancements to facilitate and enhance visitor flow throughout the site.
Proposed Plans for…
The Visitors Centre
Roof
Clay pantile covered pitched roofs.
Walls
Brick walls, laid in English Garden Wall bond.
Cladding
Vertical timber cladding above brick walls.
Windows
New aluminium framed windows and doors, with grey ironmongery. Painted finish colour- Grey.
Patio
Outdoor patio seating area for Visitor Centre customers, with view of the Windmill.
Millers Cottage
Render
Repaint and repair existing render.
Guttering & Downpipes
Replace existing PVC guttering and downpipes with aluminium guttering and downpipes.
Pantiles
Existing pantiles are to be cleaned and made good.
Roof
Roof insulation to be replaced with natural wool insulation.
Lights
Replace existing light fittings.
Windows
Joiner to repair sliding sash windows. Decorator to repaint.
Brickwork
Repair existing brickwork – Supply approx 60 bricks where bulging and remove root which is growing in the brickwork. Traditional line mortar.
Doors
Front doors to be refurbished with new door furniture and rim locks.
Sail Shed
Utilities
Sink unit & cabinets.
Furniture
Existing Millwright’s display cabinet relocated from Alford Manor House.
Furniture
Three sets of tables & chairs.
Roof
Three rooflights.
Windows
Two new windows.
Screen
Display screen to be used for educational purposes for school groups and adult visitors.
What this will mean for the building and the local community
