Windpump working c.1905
Stalham Hunsett drainage pump River Ant |
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Windpump working c.1905 |
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Hunsett drainage mill was built in 1860 adjacent to the River Ant by millwright William Rust. Unusually the tower had two scoop wheels, one on each side of the tower, with both wheels capable of being driven by an auxiliary engine, Irstead_Turf_Fen being the other known example. A datestone inscribed 1698 is set into the tower, which quite possibly related to the earlier windpump on the same site. The red brick tower had four patent sales, a white Norfolk boat type cap, a 6 bladed fantail, striking chain, wheel and tailpole. The Grade II listed mill was restored c.1970 and along with the mill house is privately owned. It is probable that the pumping gear is still intact. |
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Datestone 1698 |
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Windpump working c.1909 |
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Windpump working c.1910 |
Windpump working c.1915 |
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c.1918 |
Windpump working c.1924 |
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Watercolour by Leslie L.H. Moore c.1935 |
c.1948 |
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May 1971 |
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c.1980
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I worked at the property between 1987 and 1992 as a Gardener and general help. I am still in contact with the owners from that time who sold circa 1995. I was originally employed because of the damage caused by the storm of 1987 in which major damage was caused to the sails and eventually resulted in one of the sails being completely replaced with wood shipped all the way from Canada! I have very fond memories of those times working on the garden on the riverbank, waving to passing tourists and posing for cheesy photos. During that time, the owner, Dr. and Mrs. Worthington made significant changes to the garden. Two new lawn areas were created by myself and a new pathway was built from the boat house down to the garage. We also managed to drain most of the area to the right of the usual pictures, and created a Rhododendron walk consisting of over 40 plants. We used the inside of the mill as a storage for tools and the like, though it was superbly fitted out inside and livable - I always thought the chandelier in the bottom floor was overkill though! I hear that the garden went down hill when the Worthington's left, and the constant battle with the water-table took back some of the garden that was gained. I've not been there in many years as I moved away to Essex in the 90's, but I hope that current owners have kept in looking as great as it was in my time there. |
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1st
August 1999
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Advertised for sale by Jackson-Stops & Staff, 1 Redwell Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4SN |
3 to 4 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, 2 bathrooms One of the most unique properties in Broadland, a charming and fine windmill and Mill House with long frontage to the River Ant. Extensive wetland wildlife reserves and an oak wood. Mill House with Sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, 3 bedrooms, snug room/bedroom 4, 2 bathrooms. Grade II Listed windmill with circular rooms on 3 storeys and full cap and sails. Gardens with long quay headed river frontage including Mooring and small wet boat house. 60 Acres of classic Broadland marshes including Reedbeds, a mature Oak woodland, several large ponds and about 1/2 mile of River Bank. |
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Aerial view 18th December 2005 |
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Brakewheel c.2006 |
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Damage caused during the gale of 5th May 2007 |
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5th July 2008 |
5th July 2008 |
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21st April 2009 |
21st April 2009 |
Stalham mill project wins major architectural award |
A Broads building project has been named among the winners of prestigious awards for architecture. Hunsett Mill at Stalham is among seven East of England winners in the RIBA Awards for architectural excellence. The winning project was an extension to a 19th century mill-keeper's house, next to the grade two-listed mill. The house was the residence for the keeper of the mill until 1900, when electricity made wind-powered pumps redundant. In order for the new extension to retreat behind the listed setting of the mill, the new additions to the house are designed as shadows of the existing house. The structure of the extension is made entirely from solid laminated wood, which is exposed in the interior and clad in charred cedar boards externally. Ground source heat pumps, passive solar heating, independent water well supply and a new treatment plant will make the house almost fully self-sufficient. ... Louise Todd, regional director of RIBA East, said: "Yet again, the East of England has proved that it is a leading light in architectural excellence. "Each project is unique in its own way and shows how really good buildings can make a difference to individuals, communities and businesses alike. I extend my warm congratulations to the winning architects and my thanks to the clients for making these inspiring projects possible." Jon Welch, North Norfolk News - 20th May 2010 |
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1st June 2010 |
1st June 2010 |
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1860: Mill
built |
If you have any memories, anecdotes or photos please let us know and we may be able to use them to update the site. By all means telephone 07836 675369 or
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| Nat Grid Ref TG 36362393 |
Copyright © Jonathan Neville 2004 |