Red Mill, Haddiscoe Island, Norfolk.

Red Mill was built between 1840 and 1880 and stands on a triangular shaped inland island of approximately 2,000 acres of marsh land. It was originally named Langley Detached Mill but has latterly been called Red Mill. The mill is approached via a four mile track and has mains electricity along with modern and a recently renovated interior. The mill is Grade II Listed and was last used in the early 1940s. It was one of ten or so around the island and built as a drainage pump for the island. It would have been built with four sails and a small fantail. These would have driven an external scoopwheel with a diameter of 18 feet which was capable draining about 200 acres of the island. It is a substantial structure with walls around two feet thick tapering to 18 inches at the top. Some original bearings and the cast iron shaft that held the sails are visible under the white cap.

The mill offers accommodation over three floors consisting of a living room in the main room on the ground floor with a kitchen, shower room and separate wc on the ground floor to the side. Continuing up the main stairs to the first floor to the first double bedroom. Continuing up the steps to the second floor and the second bedroom, the beds can be put together to make a double or separated for two singles, views west and immediately over the river yare. Continuing again up the steps to the third floor room where you can sit and view up into the double height room to the top of the cap and the original cast iron shaft which would have held the sails.

The mill is 30 metres from the River Yare and commands panoramic views all around with large frontage to the river itself. The whole mill is fenced in and does offer a large area of decking facing south west.

As soon as the sun is up then so are the boats. They pass in all shapes and sizes sometimes sharing a word and all share a wave of the hand. Looking down the river from the mill you can take in Berney Arms Windmill which used to produce cement. On the horizon to the north are just visible the new wind turbines at Scroby Sands probably ten miles away. To the east about a mile away on the bank of the mainland is a former Roman Fort at Burgh Castle. This along with Caister Castle was the Romans most easterly defenses, and were originally both sides of a huge estuary. This estuary silted up hundreds of years ago leaving the River Yare and River Waveney to wander through the marsh land. The first mill was erected on site around 1797. To the South you can contemplate your journey back to the main road while looking West watching the sunset. The mill is approximately forty five minutes from Norwich and half an hour form the coast.

The island is laid to grazing and forms part of the Norfolk Broads. Cattle are allowed on the marshes from April through to September the rest of the year it is even more secluded. There is an abundance of wildlife that has to be respected. It is not unusual to see four or five heron while on the way to the mill. Not to mention wild geese, swans, ducks, curlew, owls, bats, hares lolloping , deer and a wonderful collection of cattle to name but a few.

All beds are made up to your requirements prior to your arrival. All bed linen and one bath and one hand towel per person is provided. In addition one tea towel is provided.

Bookings are made through myself and can be taken at any time throughout the year. Subject to availability, standard weeks can be altered to suit individual needs.

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