A beautiful former water mill with an equally beautiful cottage in the garden is up for sale for the first time in over half a century
The word 'idyllic' doesn't seem quite enough for some properties — and the Old Watermill in Clophill, Bedfordshire, with water rights over the River Flit and waterfalls in the garden, is a prime example of just how magical a house can be.

Some places just take your breath away.
The Old Watermill is a grade II listed, former watermill (which, judging by its name, makes sense), set over four floors of adaptable living space, and is currently on the market with Michael Graham for offers in excess of £2 million.
The stunning property is thought to date from the 18th century, with many of the bricks transcribed with the date 1725. However, as expected, the bricks are just the beginning of the many period features retained in this property.
Within the house is 'an undershot wheel which drove three pairs of stones, grinding both wheat for flour and grain for animal feed'. Although, perhaps the most obvious feature are the exposed ceiling timbers, which run throughout every room, and juxtapose effortlessly with the exposed red brick work.
Making up the downstairs living space are two reception rooms (both with exposed fireplaces) plus a kitchen/dining room and pantry. There is also access to the basement via trap doors, which is currently used as storage, but would make for a fantastic games room or home cinema.
On the first floor is a family room, plus bathroom, the main bedroom (complete with a log burning stove in a fireplace) and a second bathroom — both of which feature roll top baths.
The three remaining double bedrooms can be found over the second floor, two of which have vaulted ceilings and one with views over the garden.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Speaking of, the property sits in six acres of really quite incredible paddock, meadow, waterfalls, millpond plus river rights that run through the property, which is controlled via sluice gates.
Also within the garden is potentially the most picturesque little one-bed cottage that we've ever come across, which was once the mill owners home. With views over the river and its own seating area, it certainly gives the main house a run for its money.
The Old Watermill is currently on the market via Michael Graham for offers in excess of £2 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Clophill: What you need to know
Location: Clophill is a small village in Bedfordshire, located 4 miles from the market town of Ampthill and a 30 minute drive from Milton Keynes. The nearest rail station is in Flitwick, just under 4 miles away.
Atmosphere: The picturesque village has a strong local community that benefits from a co-op, post office, two good pubs and a pre-school and primary school that are both rated outstanding by ofsted.
Things to do: There are plenty of walking and cycling trails in the area, and Milton Keynes has the largest covered shopping centre in Europe, plus a wide range of restaurants, bars and cinemas.
Schools: Clophill Pre School and St Mary's VA C of E Lower School are both rated outstanding by Ofsted, and Oracle School is a local private secondary option.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Credit: Savills
A Grade I-listed house so big it should probably be measured in acres rather than square feet
Hinwick House, on the border of Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire, is big — very big. It's also exquisitely charming, as Penny Churchill
Credit: Michael Graham
A beautiful Victorian school house completely reimagined within, set in a pretty Bedfordshire village
This beautifully-remodelled former village school blends historical stonework with fresh, bright interiors. Lydia Stangroom takes a look.
-
The King's favourite tea, conclave and spring flowers: Country Life Quiz of the Day, April 22, 2025
Tuesday's Quiz of the Day blows smoke, tells the time and more.
By Toby Keel Published
-
London is the place for me* (*the discerning property buyer)
With more buyers looking at London than anywhere else, is the 'race for space' finally over?
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
London is the place for me* (*the discerning property buyer)
With more buyers looking at London than anywhere else, is the 'race for space' finally over?
By Annabel Dixon Last updated
-
What's a 'wellness village' and will it tempt you back into the office?
The team behind London's first mixed-use ‘wellness village’ says it has the magic formula for tempting workers back into offices.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
A mini estate in Kent that's so lovely it once featured in Simon Schama's 'History of Britain'
The Paper Mill estate is a picture-postcard in the Garden of England.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Hidden excellence in a £7.5 million north London home
Behind the traditional façades of Provost Road, you will find something very special.
By James Fisher Published
-
Sip tea and laugh at your neighbours in this seaside Norfolk home with a watchtower
On Cliff Hill in Gorleston, one home is taller than all the others. It could be yours.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grecian masterpiece that might be one of the nation's finest homes comes up for sale in Kent
Grade I-listed Holwood House sits in 40 acres of private parkland just 15 miles from central London. It is spectacular.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Some of the finest landscapes in the North of England with a 12-bedroom home attached
Upper House in Derbyshire shows why the Kinder landscape was worth fighting for.
By James Fisher Published
-
Could Gruber's Antiques from Paddington 2 be your new Notting Hill home?
It was the home of Mr Gruber and his antiques in the film, but in the real world, Alice's Antiques could be yours.
By James Fisher Published