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.
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.
-
Vertigo at Victoria Falls, a sunset surrounded by lions and swimming in the Nile: A journey from Cape Town to CairoWhy do we travel and who inspires us to do so? Chris Wallace went in search of answers on his own epic journey the length of Africa.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River TayCarnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in KentNorth Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streetsThis six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive streetWinnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
-
Damon Hill's former home in Marbella is the perfect place to slow downThe glorious Andalusian-style villa is found within the Lomas de Marbella Club and just a short walk from the beach.
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heartStokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
