Filed under: World travel
From country retreats in Devon to living out your
Moulin Rouge holiday fantasy in France, windmills provide an intriguing alternative to your run-of-the-mill cottage in the country. We've got together with Tripadvisor to pick some of the best lofty holiday rentals for a break with a twist..
- Moulin 85, Vendee, France
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<a href="http://www.coolrentalguide.com/property/moulin-85/16667" target="_blank">Moulin 85</a> was a working mill for most of the last century supplying flour to local boulangeries and pâtisseries. The current owners have restored the one-bed windmill it to its former glory and it’s now one of the quirkiest choices for a relaxing break on France’s west coast. From £450 per week.</p>
- The Windmill, Edlesborough, Buckinghamshire
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Part of an old watermill in acres of woodland and lakes in the Buckinghamshire countryside <a href="http://www.letsunlimited.com/holiday-cottages/property-details/the-windmill-edlesborough-dunstable--p1018">The Windmill</a> is the perfect couples retreat. Arranged over four floors prices start from £350 for a one-week minimum stay.</p>
- The mill on the hill, Alentejo, Portugal
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The <a href="http://www.millonthehill.com" target="_blank">mill on the hill</a> is a dreamy, white-walled, three-bed retreat perched on top pf the rolling hills of the lush Alentejo countryside. Think endless vistas and oodles of golden sunshine. From £500 per week with a one week minimum stay.</p>
- The Windmill, Norfolk
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<a href="http://www.horningholidayhomes.co.uk/windmill.html" target="_blank">The Windmill</a> is one of the most iconic buildings on the Norfolk Broads and has featured in countless postcards and paintings. On the banks of the river Bure this three bed mill starts from £400 per week.</p>
- The green windmill, Santorini, Greece
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Open the shutters of this <a href="http://www.panoramicvillas.com/villa/greece/oia/green-windmill/" target="_blank">two-bed windmill</a> to the sun-soaked views of Santorini and the Aegean sea. The pool also doubles as a spa. From £240 per night with a four night minimum stay.</p>
- Cley Windmill, Norfolk
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This 18th century landmark on the north Norfolk coast has been sensitively converted: think oak-beamed ceilings, a roaring open fire. Guests can stay on a B& B or self-catering basis. Dining options are also on offer, and glorious views across the salt marshes and the sea from the upstairs bedrooms. Visit <a href="http://www.cleymill.co.uk/">cleymill.co.uk</a></p>
- The Windmill, Paxos, Greece
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<a href="http://www.travelalacarte.co.uk/ServiceDetails.aspx?ServiceID=21&RecommendedFlag=True&Recommended=true&Location=Paxos" target="_blank">The Windmill</a> has a private pool, spectacular sea views and the perfect terrace for al fresco dining. Located above Magazia and Fontana on the old road to Gaios, it's ideal for those who enjoy the peace and quiet of a rural villa. From £490 per week.</p>
- Casa Miradouro, Tavira, Portugal
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<a href="http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/tavira/151863" target="_blank">Casa Miradouro</a> - the round house - is perched on the hills above the town of Tavira with panoramic views of the surrounding hills and coastline. The two bedrooms are fully air-conditioned and there's a log fire downstairs. The outside pool is enclosed in a citrus orchard filled with clementines, oranges and lemons. Prices start from £799 for one week.</p>
- The Windmill, Anglesey, Wales
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Built in 1741 and set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, <a href="http://www.whitebeachholiday.co.uk/windmill/index.shtml#" target="_blank">The Windmill</a> has two double bedrooms and topfloor offering panoramic views out over the Menai Strait, Snowdonia Mountains and the Irish Sea. From £1,184 for a seven-night summer break.</p>
- The Pointed Roof Mill, Carcossonne, France
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This beautiful mill is right in the heart of the French countryside of Languedoc, surrounded by green fields, vineyards and sun-soaked terraces. <a href="http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p7518?uni_id=13133&utm_content=2523387&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=10781999&utm_source=cj&CID=a_cj_2523387" target="_blank">The Pointed Roof Mill </a>has two bedrooms inside and a heated pool and tennis court outside and starts from £584 for one week's rental.</p>