Staycationers are being offered the chance to have a truly unique holiday experience at a historic 19th-century mill that has been restored and renovated into an Airbnb.
With rustic scrubbed floors, exposed beams, and the mill’s original cogs, this accommodation provides an unusual experience that can also be a ‘once in a lifetime' romantic getaway.
Old Smock Mill, owned by superhost Claire, used to be a fully functional windmill until World War II. During the war, it was used as a gunners’ outlook.
When the war ended, the mill began to degrade and fell into disrepair. Eventually, it was bought by new owners who restored it to its original cottage-esque charm.
Couples can enjoy a private getaway at the mill, located in Benenden, Kent, with incredible views across the countryside.
Clare said: “Everything is designed to unwind you from the moment you walk in.
"It is surrounded by the lovely Kent countryside where you can ramble and refresh yourselves by perhaps ending the day in one of the great pubs cosy by a log fire in winter or in summer in an English garden.
"Guests have said how hard it is to tear themselves away, it truly is a treasure to find.”
The self-contained accommodation spans the top three floors of the mill, with a private entrance via an oak staircase.
There’s also a balcony spanning the diameter of the mill, where you can enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views and fresh eggs from the owner’s chickens!
Old Smock Mill’s first floor offers a cosy living area with a welcome basket of fresh, seasonal produce and freshly-cut blooms, with a fully equipped kitchen-diner and seating area, with a comfortable leather sofa and armchairs.
Upstairs, the stone floor sees timber beams tower above the French king-sized bed.
There is a beautiful old copper basin sink and taps and a unique pulley system for hanging clothes.
Up the spiral staircase, you’ll find the bathroom complete with a wet room shower and freestanding tub.
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The dust floor was originally a buffer between the machinery above, and the milled flour below, where guests can discover the original winding mechanisms from the working mill.
Guests can book a minimum of two nights at the property, where they can explore historic Kent and the five local National Trust properties.
The mill has a rating of 4.99 stars out of five, with previous visitors offering rave reviews about the stunning staycation spot.
It costs £195 per night, with a service fee added on top.
One said: “Clare is the most wonderful and thoughtful host and the windmill is a truly magical place. We spent three nights there for our mini-moon and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a more special place to be.”
And another added: “Clare’s Airbnb is a must once in a lifetime stay. I picked this little windmill as a base for our two night stay, as a surprise for my wife’s 30th.
“The pictures do not do it justice, it’s simply breathtaking from the moment you step in the door. The little additional touches are all there and Clare is an absolutely amazing host.”
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