Iconic Chitty Chitty Bang Bang windmill for sale with £9m tag

THE windmill that featured in the film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has gone on sale for the first time in 35 years, with a guide price of £9 million.

Painted white with a black base, cap and sails, Cobstone Mill in Ibstone is set in almost 37 acres and overlooks the Hambleden Valley.

The former smock mill was built around 1816 and starred in the film as the home of inventor Caractacus Potts, played by Dick van Dyke, and his children Jeremy and Jemima.

One scene from the 1968 hit film shows a banged-up car being transported to the home as the children excitedly jump up and down on the balcony of the mill.

It is in the garage next door where Potts transforms the old vehicle into the magical flying machine from which the film gets its name.

Actress Hayley Mills and her film director husband, Roy Boulting, bought the mill at auction in 1971 before carrying out restoration work.

In 1988 a couple bought the property from Sir David Brown, owner of luxury car manufacturer Aston Martin.

Over the past 18 months, the owners have restored the windmill’s sails and been granted planning permission to extend the house to almost double its current size.

The Grade-II listed windmill, which ground cereal until 1873, has three storeys and contains a reception room and two bedrooms with views of Tuville, where The Vicar of Dibley was filmed.

The brick and flint main house has three bedrooms and a large, vaulted drawing room with beams and floor-to-ceiling doors.

Wall-length bi-fold doors open on to a large terrace surrounding a full-size, heated swimming pool and entertaining area.

Elsewhere on the ground floor is a spacious en suite master bedroom with access to the terrace, kitchen/breakfast room, boot room/cloakroom and pool/plant room.

On the first floor there are two bedrooms and a family bathroom with spectacular views from most of the windows. There is a terrace overlooking the swimming pool.

The original mill workings are a key feature, with a winding staircase leading from the ground floor reception room to a shower room and bedrooms on the first and second floors. The double garage houses an additional bedroom and there is a tractor barn, workshop, store and stable building.

The planning consent, which was granted in 2016, would extend the house from its current
2,592 sq ft to create a further three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a new kitchen, family room and study.

Outside, the tractor barn, garage and open car port sit in a long stable block of outbuildings which offer much in the way of storage and workshop space. There is also a bedroom and bathroom above the garage.

The property is approached through electric gates and has two driveways, one of which reaches the garage/stable block, allowing for plenty of parking.

The closest amenities are at Turville for the church and pub while various shops can be found at Stokenchurch and Lane End.

The property itself is generating much interest owing to its extensive film history with the windmill also featuring in Goodnight Mister Tom, Jonathan Creek, Midsomer Murders and the 2009 adaptation of The Day of the Triffids.

Cobstone Mill is on the market with Savills Henley.

Stephen Christie-Miller, who runs the office, says the property has to be seen to be believed.

He said: “Its unique heritage in a prime Buckinghamshire location will appeal to both domestic and international buyers that are looking for the best of the best. It is one of the most memorable homes I have seen.”

Nicholas Brown, of Private View Property, said: “I can safely say that Cobstone Mill is a true landmark in a breathtaking setting.

“For the next lucky owners, imagine inviting your friends to come and stay at the best-known windmill in the world.”

Cobstone Mill is on the market with a guide price of £9 million. For more information or to arrange a viewing, call Savills on (01491) 843000.