Few film houses can be as instantly recognisable as Cobstone Mill in Buckinghamshire, its pretty black and white exterior standing out against the green countryside of the Chiltern Hills. Made famous by its appearance in the 1968 film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 1968, where it served as the abode of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke), the windmill has also featured in Midsomer Murders, Bride & Prejudice and Jonathan Creek, among other films and TV shows. Now, for the first time in 35 years, the windmill (along with the house it's attached to) is for sale, and we have to say, it's a pretty desirable place to live.
Following its star turn in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the windmill was bought by the actress Hayley Mills and her husband, the film director Roy Boulting, in 1971. Its next owner was David Brown, the owner of Aston Martin, but when it was bought again in 1986, it remained with that family until the present day. The early 19th-century mill has been lucky in its recent history; it was restored by the legendary producer Albert ‘Cubby’ Broccoli for the film, after having been out of use for almost 100 years and occupied by squatters. Now Grade-II listed, it has been beautifully maintained by its current owners.
The mill is attached to a more conventional house, which is home to some lovely spaces, including a generous, airy sitting room and three bedrooms. A swimming pool and sun terrace can be found immediately outside the house. The mill itself has three storeys and contains a living room and two bedrooms, making it ideal for a holiday let (although the present owners have reportedly kept it to themselves). In addition to the mill, the property also features a barn and garage, so there's plenty of room to spread out.
The property is listed with Savills, who are understandably enthusiastic about it. "Cobstone Mill has to be seen to be believed — and this is even before you bring into consideration the home’s extensive film history,” says Stephen Christie-Miller of Savills Henley. “Yes, some homes claim to be iconic, however nothing comes close to Cobstone Mill.” If the mill itself doesn't have quite enough star power, the property is very close to the village of Turville, where The Vicar of Dibley was filmed. The area is highly picturesque, but also rather convenient; trains can whisk you into London in around half an hour from nearby High Wycombe. The mill would make the perfect weekend retreat for a lucky owner.
See the listing at savills.com
