A 1720 windmill that's been extensively transformed over time to create a unique and wonderful family home
The Lantern retains many unique features from its former life as a windmill which creates the most charming country home. Annunciata Elwes takes a look.


Set in Acomb village, close to the market town of Hexham and stone’s throw from some of the finest stretches of Hadrian’s Wall, including Sycamore Gap and the Roman forts of Housesteads and Vindolanda, this intriguing property started life as a windmill in about 1720. The property is currently on the market via Finest Properties at a guide price of £1.25 million.
In use until the 1900s, when its sails were removed and additions made as part of its conversion, The Lantern is now a four-bedroom home that has been added to over the years and still has potential for development in the form of a large triple garage with storage on the floor above.
The tower itself contains a sitting room with fireplace, secondary dining room, bedroom and shower room; the master bedroom has an adjoining dressing room and en suite bathroom.
Grounds of nearly three acres are sheltered and prettily landscaped with mature trees, shrubs, outdoor seating areas and a gazebo.
The Lantern is currently on the market via Finest Properties at a guide price of £1.25 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Acomb: What you need to know
Location: This small rural village (not to be confused with the other Acomb, near York) is in the south of Northumberland, just over 3 miles from Hexham and approximately 22 miles from Newcastle. There is a train station in Hexham and Corbridge.
Atmosphere: The quaint village is home to a post office, village shop and a pub. The nearby market town of Hexham is home to plenty of artisan shops and restaurants, plus doctors surgeries, leisure facilities and sports clubs.
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Things to do: The countryside that surrounds Acomb is Hadrian's Wall territory and there are plenty of walking trails to explore — particularly the famed Sycamore Gap and the Roman fort sites of Housesteads and Vindolanda. The Northumberland National Park (known as an international Dark Sky Park) is also just on the doorstep, where you can explore the Kielder Observatory and Kielder Skyspace. The city of Newcastle is a bustling, lively place with plenty to keep all ages entertained — from art exhibitions and galleries to numerous bars and restaurants.
Schools: Beauford First School is well renowned, as is The Sele First School which is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. Other local options include Acomb First School and St Mary's Catholic First School. For secondary, there is Queen Elizabeth High School and Hexham Priory School.
See more property for sale in the area.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
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Annunciata is director of contemporary art gallery TIN MAN ART and an award-winning journalist specialising in art, culture and property. Previously, she was Country Life’s News & Property Editor. Before that, she worked at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, researched for a historical biographer and co-founded a literary, art and music festival in Oxfordshire. Lancashire-born, she lives in Hampshire with a husband, two daughters and a mischievous pug.
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