Rays Hill, Cholesbury, Buckinghamshire.HP5

A Storied Past
The site has a long-standing heritage, with records showing a windmill in the vicinity as early as the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1863, a smock mill was constructed by the Norwich Wind and Steam Company. However, it was short-lived and dismantled by 1883.
Later that same year, a new masonry tower mill was built thought to be one of the last of its kind in England by Hillsdons of Tring, at a cost of £300. The tall chimney associated with the steam-powered mill was removed shortly after, though the original flywheel from the steam engine has been thoughtfully preserved and now forms a striking feature in the dining room.
The first known miller of the new tower mill was Daniel Dwight, succeeded by Thomas Robinson in 1891. Robinson, with experience in steam milling, continued operations until the mill ceased production in 1912. The property was then converted into a private residence the following year.
Among the earliest residents were writer Gilbert Cannan and his wife Mary (formerly married to J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan). The Cannans hosted many notable guests connected to artistic circles such as the Bloomsbury Group and the London Group. Celebrated figures like D.H. Lawrence, Katherine Mansfield, and painter Mark Gertler were known visitors. Gertler`s famous painting, Gilbert Cannan at His Mill now housed in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford captures Cannan outside the mill with two dogs, one believed to have inspired "Nana" in Peter Pan.
After the Cannans left in 1916, the mill was rented by acclaimed American actress Doris Keane as a countryside retreat. In the 1930s, the building found new life as an artist`s studio under Bernard Adams. More recently, it was home to Sir David Hatch, a well-known BBC Radio director and one-
time member of the Cambridge Footlights, who hosted memorable gatherings with friends from the world of entertainment.
Thoughtful Restoration and Accommodation
The current owners have lovingly restored the windmill`s cap, sails, and fantail, carefully replicating the original Victorian design. The fantail is fully operational, allowing the cap to rotate with the wind, though the sails and fantail are currently secured for safety.
The home`s entrance opens into the circular reception hall at the base of the tower, leading into the inner hall of the adjoining cottage. Two elegant and light-filled reception rooms sit on either side, with the sitting room featuring a cosy wood-burning stove.
A spiral staircase leads down to the lower ground floor, where you`ll find a spacious dining room showcasing the original steam flywheel, and a large kitchen/breakfast room with an Aga and French doors opening onto a sun-drenched terrace.
Upstairs, three generously sized bedrooms and two bathrooms (one en suite) provide comfortable accommodation. A stunning circular fourth bedroom with en suite shower is ideal for guests, while a further staircase leads to a fifth bedroom perfect as a home office, with spectacular countryside views. From here, a ladder gives access to the cap and the original mill workings.
Idyllic Gardens and Setting
The beautifully maintained country garden is a peaceful haven, with lovely views over open fields. Well-stocked flower beds, neat lawns, and a tranquil seating area offer a perfect escape. Additional features include two summerhouses, a shed, and a workshop.

From the owners.
`We especially enjoy sitting in the sunny garden appreciating the views of the beautiful Chiltern countryside. The house works well for entertaining and we have many happy memories of wonderful parties and family gatherings. It is indeed a special place and we have been very lucky to live here.`


Location
Braziers End is a quaint hamlet near Cholesbury, a village with Anglo-Saxon roots, nestled on the Buckinghamshire Hertfordshire border. The surrounding Chiltern Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer scenic walks and bridleways. The popular Full Moon pub and restaurant is just a short distance away.
For broader amenities, the nearby towns of Chesham (Metropolitan Line 4 miles), Amersham (Metropolitan/Chiltern Line 6 miles), and Berkhamsted (Main Line 5 miles) offer excellent shopping and commuter links to London.


Notice
Please note we have not tested any apparatus, fixtures, fittings, or services. Interested parties must undertake their own investigation into the working order of these items. All measurements are approximate and photographs provided for guidance only.