A few yards farther up Wise Lane from Clouds Garden Lodge stands a disused windmill. It’s set back from the road, tucked rather apologetically by the trees, but nevertheless it has a stunning view for miles over the Blackmore Vale.
Its origins are slightly confused. There seems to have been a mill on the site for several centuries: it appears that two sailyards were purchased for the mill in 1377 and documents suggest that building work for the present construction began around 1536, or the mid 1700s or even 1800! A painting by a local woman, Jane Bouverie, who spent about fifty years painting village scenes in the mid 19th century, shows the mill in use in 1873. In 1865 the miller, William Perry, was a notable worthy, and the mill was still working in 1886 (around the time that Clouds House and its kitchen garden were built) but was milled for the last time in 1896.
Its demise began in 1910 when it suffered fire damage inflicted by workers from the Clouds House golf course burning turf too close, and in 1911, it was again set alight by fireworks celebrating George V’s coronation. The machinery was removed during the first World War, and around this time it served as a folly and artist’s studio for the Wyndhams at Clouds House. It retained its sails until 1930.
The mill has been listed and stands today as a landmark, a destination for dog walkers, a picnic spot, and pull-in for van drivers to stop for lunch and admire the view.
Chris and Bev - Heads in the Clouds 