Cley Windmill
Rising above the reed beds and River Glaven in a pretty village no longer ‘next the sea’, Julian and Carolyn Godlee’s 19th-century windmill offers characterful accommodation. More
Good Hotel Guide Review
Rising above the reed beds and River Glaven in a pretty village no longer ‘next the sea’, Julian and Carolyn Godlee’s 19th-century windmill offers characterful accommodation. Bedrooms (some huge) are within the brick tower and converted outbuildings. A door from the circular, beamed Stone Room leads to a wraparound viewing platform. New this year, the Old Cart Shed has an oak four-poster, a heated flagstone floor with oriental rugs, a Shaker kitchenette and glass doors to the harbour. The walled garden has been redesigned, and David Mears has taken over as chef. On most nights a three-course dinner with amuse-bouche is served in the circular dining room – maybe chicken liver parfait, herb-crusted hake, then chocolate tart. ‘They check that you are happy with the menu, and will make adjustments, but there is no choice as such,’ advises a Guide inspector. On ‘off’ nights you may order a hamper. At breakfast there is fish from a local smokehouse, or a full English cooked to order. ‘Staff are pleasant and happy to chat. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, yet everything runs smoothly.’
Hotel details
Address
The Quay
Cley-next-the-Sea
Norfolk
NR25 7RP
England
Telephone
01263 740209
Bedrooms
10. 1 in Boat House, 1 in Long House, 1 in Cart Shed.
Open
all year, self-catering only over Christmas/New Year, dinner most evenings.
Facilities
bar/lounge, dining room, in-room TV (Freeview), civil wedding licence, ¼-acre garden.
Background music
in dining room, soft classical and jazz.
Children
all ages welcomed.
Dogs
allowed in 1 room.
Credit cards
MC, Visa.
Prices
per room B&B double £159–£295. Set menu £34.50, hampers £65–£95. Min. 2-night stay weekends.
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