Norfolk Mills - Hunsett drainage milll

Hunsett
drainage mill

c.1890

Hunsett drainage mill was built in 1860 adjacent to the River Ant and ran two scoop wheels, although a datestone inscribed 1698 is set into the tower. The red brick tower had four patent sales, a white boat type cap, fantail, striking chain, wheel and tailpole. It was restored c.1970 and along with the mill house is privately owned. It is probable that the pumping gear is still intact.

Datestone 1698

Watercolour by Leslie L.H. Moore c.1935

c.1980

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.
David McCormick - 8th November 2007

1st August 1999

Advertised for sale by Jackson-Stops & Staff, 1 Redwell Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4SN
April 2004
Guide Price £650,000

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.

Brakewheel c.2006

Aerial view 18th December 2005


Damage caused during the gale of 5th May 2007


5th July 2008	5th July 2008

1860: Mill built

Prior 1971: Fully restored and privately owned

1987: Dr. & Mrs. Worthington

1992: Dr. & Mrs. Worthington

April 2004: Advertised for sale by Jackson-Stops & Staff at a guide price of £650,000

December 2004: Mill house used as a holiday let

5th May 2007: Fan blown off the fanstage in a gale

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 01263 587564 or

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