Most people visiting Thorpeness in Suffolk will have noticed the wonderful ‘House in the Clouds’ with a smart white post mill nearby, but they may not have realised the connection between the two. 

The developing resort village of Thorpeness was first served by a 24-sail wind pump on a steel tower with a small water tank. 

In 1923-24 a new larger water tower was constructed and disguised as the ‘House in the Clouds’.  At the same time, a disused post mill, first erected at nearby Aldringham in 1803 was moved to the site and modified so that the brake wheel could drive a 3-throw pump.  As this was a turret post mill – that is, with a round house – the main post had to be replaced by a cast iron pipe carrying the drive down to the pump.  The mill fell out of use in about 1940, and was replaced by an engine (no details).  This arrangement became redundant in 1963 when an area water supply scheme was introduced.  The ‘House in the Clouds’ is now holiday accommodation, as the tank was removed in 1977.  I think you would have to be very fit to stay there!

Also at this time the mill was restored (again!) and is now on private land, having been sold by Suffolk County Council in 2010.