Best Cottages in Thaxted in 2026

Lovely walk on local public pathway with fantastic views of Windmill known variously as John Webb's Mill or Lowe's Mill.

Thaxted Windmill is a grade II listed tower mill on the edge of the historic hilltop town of Thaxted, about 6 miles south east of Saffron Walden. The mill stands 48 feet high, and is made of red brick, with four wooden sails.

The mill was erected in 1804 on land owned by John Webb, a successful businessman who owned a number of properties locally, including a brick and tile work, and the local Swan Inn. There were 4 other mills in Thaxted at the time, but these were traditional post mills, whereas Webb's Mill was built to a tower design (a post mill rotates the entire body of the structure around a central column, while a tower mill rotates a moveable cap to which the sails are attatched).

The family of millers who worked the mill were the Lowe family, and so the building is sometimes referred to as Lowe's Mill. Interestingly, one of the recent leaders of the John Webb’s Windmill Trust that runs the mill is a direct descendent of the Lowe family.

The building material was local brick, fired just half a mile away, and there were 3 sets of millstones. The mill was in operation for just over a century, but by 1907 it was uneconomic to keep open. The advent of efficient steam engines made wind power less appealling and more costly.

#red #windmill #sunset #uk #britain #england

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Our top choices for Thaxted cottages

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The Cottage

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"The Cottage is a perfect choice if you want clean, quiet, and private accommodations that are walking distance to the Sudbury shops, to the meadows, and to public transportation. The kitchen is fully stocked with appliances and utensils and has a peaceful view of the garden and the meadows beyond. The bed is comfortable, the surrounding area is very quiet at night, and the shower has good water pressure and temperature. The owners are a lovely couple who are friendly and who also respect...

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includes taxes & fees

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Self catering B&B or short holiday let

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1 bedroom accommodation in Finchingfield, near Braintree

Finchingfield, near Braintree

"The owners were very welcoming and accommodating. We had everything we needed. Location is peaceful and idyllic on the lake and is really easy to get to. We felt safe and secure behind the gates. The bed was super comfortable and the house was super clean. We didn’t venture out much but there is a nearby shopping/outlet centre about half hour away Review independently collected and verified by Reevoo"

Hollie

includes taxes & fees

7 Apr - 8 Apr