Quirky Devon windmill tower for two

Windmill in Torquay, United Kingdom

  1. 2 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. 1 bathroom
Hosted by Susan
  1. Superhost
  2. 2 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews and reliability.

Exceptional check-in experience

Recent guests gave the check-in process a 5-star rating.

Beautiful area

Guests love this home’s scenic location.
A beautifully renovated 200-year-old Grade 2 listed windmill tower in the picturesque south Devon countryside, just four miles inland from the beaches of Torquay. Set in its own five-acre field with no near neighbours, and parking right outside the door, it offers quirky, peaceful accommodation for two, with stunning 360 views. Good pubs and cafes are within a few miles, and you can explore Elizabethan Totnes, maritime Dartmouth, the fishing village of Brixham or the dramatic tors on Dartmoor.

The space
Drive through the field gate off a lane, and a few metres up a track to the door of the mill tower. When inside, on the ground floor is the main living space with excellent cooking facilities and comfy leather sofa. Curved stairs lead up to the first floor which has a double bedroom with a Victorian bed and lovely views to Dartmoor. The second floor has a large bathroom with oval bath and shower over, again with beautiful views.

Right at the top is the 'Miller's Eye', a room with two comfortable chairs, Wifi and TV. It is reached by a space-saver staircase and has splendid panoramic views of the South Hams hills, Dartmoor and Torbay. Borrow the binoculars to watch ponies pass in the lane, look a buzzard in the eye, or take in 400 square miles of countryside and wildlife.

Outside is a grassed area with seating and a millstone table, from which there are spectacular views over the hills and farmland towards Dartmoor on the skyline, and beautiful sunsets when the weather is favourable. You can drive right up to and park next to the mill.

The history of the mill:
The windmill tower was probably built in the early 1900s. We believe it was one of a pair operated by the same miller; you can just see the other one from the top room, on the horizon out to the south. It is marked on the OS map of 1887 as 'disused' and must have been a ruin, gradually falling down, throughout the 20th century. Vince used to be a pilot and was flying regularly from Exeter to the Scillies. He spotted it below, and, after trying to persuade the farmer to sell it, finally bought it and the 5-acre field in 1999 when the farmer put his whole farm up for auction. There was nothing inside the ruin apart from a millstone. The windmill was Grade 2 listed at this point. Vince renovated the building over the next year or so, and since then we have been able to share it with guests as a holiday let. We do hope you will feel enjoy Long Barrow Windmill's peaceful surroundings and have a relaxing stay.

Guest access
The windmill tower is completely private and guests can access all areas. The surrounding field is actively farmed and so if you would like to walk around it. if there is crop growing in it, please keep to the edge.

Where you'll sleep

What this place offers

Valley view
Garden view
Kitchen
Wifi
Free driveway parking on premises – 2 spaces

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Rated 4.99 out of 5 from 70 reviews.

Guest favourite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews and reliability
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Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 99% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 1% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for value

Where you’ll be

Torquay, England, United Kingdom
This listing’s location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighbourhood highlights

Long Barrow Windmill is set in its own 5-acre field, with countryside all around and no near neighbours. The beautiful views from the mill tower stretch out over fields and villages towards Dartmoor. The town and beaches of Torquay are about five miles away, and Newton Abbot, Brixham and Totnes are within about 15 minutes drive.

There are good pubs and cafes within a mile or so of the windmill. Elizabethan Totnes with its individual shops and cafes is about 15 minutes' drive away. Visit pretty Brixham with its pastel-coloured houses tumbling down to the busy fishing harbour. Cross the River Dart by a tiny ferry to beautiful Dartmouth and watch the yachts from the promenade.

Explore the coastline further west and bathe in the clear waters at Blackpool Sands. Wander along part of the stunning South West Coastal Path. Hire a spot on a fishing boat from Torquay or Brixham and catch mackerel for your supper. Visit properties such as Compton Castle (within walking distance) and Arts & Crafts Coleton Fishacre. Drive over to Dartmoor and walk in the wilderness with just birds and ponies for company.

Meet your host

Superhost
70 reviews
4.99 out of 5 average rating
2 years of hosting
My work: Retired publisher
Most useless skill: I can touch my wrist with my thumb
I live with my husband not far from the windmill, in a cottage with apple orchard. I enjoy beekeeping and we have hives in the orchard to help with pollination. I've recently taken up pottery and have a collection of very wonky pots in my small pottery studio.

Susan is a Superhost

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Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in: 16:00 – 22:00
Checkout before 10:00
2 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm
Not suitable for children and infants