An outstanding former mill-turned-family-home in Bedfordshire that you’ll never want to leave
With its bucolic water-side setting, gently undulating fields and utterly charming secondary accommodation in a converted windmill, Edlesborough Mill is a rare opportunity to own a unique slice of history in a sublime setting. James Fisher takes a look.


A long-held belief here at Country Life is that having two mills is better than one.
Those of a similar belief should look no further than Edlesborough Mill, a seven-bedroom red-brick home near Dunstable that offers the best efforts of the wind, as well as the water.
Originally a working mill using water from the River Ouzel, which flows through the grounds, the property is now a substantial family home with more than 23 acres of land and outstanding views of the mill ponds, the Ouzel and the Chiltern Hills beyond.
Inside, the property comes with lashings of period charm, such as exposed beams and fireplaces, and a particular highlight is the exceptional first-floor drawing room, which retains the original working components of the mill.
Standing to the west of the main house is The Windmill, which has been converted to provide an unusual secondary accommodation that offers two further bedrooms over five floors, with one situated on the top floor and offering immense views of the surrounding countryside.
Such a place is a rare find and it’s thought that Edlesborough Mill was last sold at auction in 1917, making its arrival onto the market even more exciting.
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.
The property skims the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, benefiting from an idyllic countryside setting as well as excellent transport links. You’ll find frequent trains from Berkhamsted or Leighton Buzzard to London Euston in just over half an hour.
Equally, the M1 can be easily reached and Luton airport is just nine miles away.
The property falls into the catchment area for a number of excellent schools, including Beechwood Park and Berkhamsted School for boys and girls. As such, this would make an excellent family home that is easily commuter-friendly.
Edlesborough Mill is currently on the market via Strutt & Parker with a guide price of £3.5 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.
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
James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
An Italian-inspired recipe for lemon-butter pasta shells with spring greens, ricotta and pangrattato
Spring greens are just about to come into their own, so our Kitchen Garden columnist reveals exactly what to do with them.
By Melanie Johnson Published
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in Dorset
With 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventure
The interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of Pembrokeshire
A lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed folly
Hagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich history
Three floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
By James Fisher Published
-
Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of Somerset
Ashton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A waterside cottage in Devon with a private quay, idyllic views and the prettiest summerhouse we've seen in years
Right beside the picturesque Yealm Estuary, No 1 Noss Mayo is an idyllic home that feels like an escape from the world. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
By Annabel Dixon Last updated