There’s something undeniably magical about windmill homes, they’re part fairytale, part architectural wonder. I’ve always been fascinated by how these once-functional structures have been reimagined into cozy, character-filled spaces that feel anything but ordinary.
Some lean into their rustic roots, while others embrace sleek, modern design, but all of them tell a story. I’m sharing 10 of the most enchanting windmill homes around the world.
Whether perched on a quiet hillside or overlooking the ocean, each one shows how history and creativity can come together to create something truly unforgettable.
1. Le Moulin De Bel Air, Pays De La Loire, France
Tucked into the picturesque landscape where Brittany meets Anjou, this 19th-century wheat mill is the real deal—rich in history and full of charm.
Known as the Minoterie du Moulin, it sits in the heart of France’s Pays de la Loire region, offering a quiet escape that still keeps you close to culture.
You’re only 30 minutes from the vibrant city of Nantes, yet the peaceful countryside setting feels like a world away. It’s the kind of place where authenticity meets beauty in the most effortless way.
Living Space
Step through the old tower and you’re instantly surrounded by thick rotund walls and a winding staircase made of original slate and stone.
This windmill cottage still belongs to the great-grandchildren of the very family who once milled wheat flour on the property.
There’s a sense of pride and history woven into every detail and you can feel it as you move through the space. Staying here doesn’t just feel cozy—it feels meaningful, like you’re part of its ongoing story.
Bedroom
The moment you walk into this home, it feels bright and welcoming. There are three beautiful bedrooms filled with natural light, each one warm and inviting with white walls and rustic exposed beams.
One of the bedrooms comes with its own ensuite for a little extra comfort. The main living area is a true showstopper—a grand salon with a soaring vaulted ceiling and a stunning stone fireplace that draws your eye right in.
And tucked off to the side is a cozy library nook with a sofa bed, perfect for reading or hosting an extra guest.
2. Öland windmill, Kalmar County, Sweden
Tucked away in the charming town of Färjestaden, Sweden, this windmill has been standing tall since 1851. Once used to grind grains, it’s now been beautifully brought back to life as a unique and inviting home.
The restoration has been done with real care, preserving its history while giving it a fresh new feel. You’ll still find original details and vintage touches throughout, each one telling a story of the past.
It’s the kind of place that makes you pause and appreciate the charm of something truly one of a kind.
Living Space
Every corner of this windmill tells a story, from the worn old floorboards to the rustic staircase and even the original grinder still standing proud. It’s filled with charm that feels completely untouched by time.
But behind that historic character is a home that’s been thoughtfully updated. Modern comforts are seamlessly woven into the space, making it feel both timeless and entirely livable.
You get the sense that every improvement was made with care, keeping the soul of the place intact while making it perfect for everyday life.
Dining Area
Soft natural light pours in through graceful windows, instantly brightening every corner of the home. Inside, everything feels calm and effortless thanks to a soothing mix of neutral tones and natural materials that make the space feel both fresh and welcoming.
The heart of the home is a beautifully open-plan layout where cooking, dining, and relaxing all flow together.
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning coffee or gathering with friends, the sitting area, dining space, and kitchen are designed to feel connected, comfortable, and easy to live in.
3. Converted Modern Windmill, Suffolk, UK
Set against the backdrop of the peaceful Suffolk countryside, this former windmill is anything but ordinary. What was once a hardworking structure has been completely transformed into a sleek and modern home that still turns heads.
It stands tall like a beacon, blending history with bold contemporary style in the most unexpected way. This isn’t your typical rustic windmill—it’s cool, creative, and full of personality.
The kind of place that surprises you at every turn and makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about countryside living.
Living Area
Step into the main living area and you’re immediately wrapped in warmth and style. The curved walls and ceiling are lined with rich exposed timber, creating a space that feels both modern and inviting.
It’s the kind of room where you want to curl up and stay a while. But the real showstopper? Just beyond the glass doors sits a balcony that completely steals the scene.
Whether you’re sipping coffee or watching the sunset, it offers a view, and a vibe, that makes this whole conversion feel like something truly special.
Window Lodge
Perched high above the ground, the deck stretches out with nothing in the way of those wide-open countryside views. You can see for miles, and it feels like you’re floating above it all.
Inside, the pampering continues. Think plush robes, soft slippers, and all the little touches that turn a stay into a true escape.
It’s the kind of place where you can sink in, relax completely, and forget about everything else for a while. Every detail invites you to slow down and soak up a little bit of quiet luxury.
4. Windmill Silo House, California, USA
Calling this place quirky doesn’t even scratch the surface. Tucked away in Capitola-by-the-Sea, California, this one-of-a-kind home is a riot of color, bold patterns, and unforgettable design choices.
Every room has its own personality, and the whole place feels like a work of art you can actually live in. It’s no wonder it’s become a local favorite—people stop and stare, and honestly, who could blame them?
This isn’t just a house. It’s an experience, bursting with charm and creativity at every turn.
Living Space
Built in 1926 to look just like a windmill, though never actually used as one, the Windmill House is full of charm and imagination.
Restored by Michael Arnone + Associates, it’s now a playful retreat that feels like something out of a storybook. Sitting right along Soquel Creek, the home takes whimsy to the next level with vibrant rooms painted in every shade you can think of.
Add in bold, eclectic furnishings and you’ve got a space that’s bursting with personality. It’s the kind of place that makes you smile the moment you walk in.
Bedroom
The bedrooms are just as fun and full of character as the rest of the house. One of them has rustic ceiling beams and oversized windows that look right out over the creek, bringing the outside in.
And when it comes to outdoor perks, this place seriously delivers. Guests can hang out in the backyard, relax on the patio, practice their swing on the putting green, or unwind in the hot tub.
There are even two outdoor showers and a spacious porch that stretches out over the water, perfect for lazy afternoons and sunset views.
5. 19th-century Windmill, Oeste, Portugal
High above the coastline in the hills of Nazaré, this hidden windmill retreat offers a peaceful escape surrounded by dense forest and salty sea air. Nazaré may be famous for its record-breaking surf waves, but here, it’s all about slowing down and soaking in the stillness. The setting feels like a secret—quiet, green, and full of charm. And when you’re ready for a change of pace, the area’s most stunning beaches are just a short drive away. It’s the perfect balance of nature, calm, and coastal adventure.
Bedroom
The layout of this windmill is as charming as its history. On the ground floor, you’ll find a cozy kitchen and dining space that’s perfect for slow breakfasts or evening meals.
Head upstairs and you’ll discover two inviting bedrooms and a bathroom spread across the next two levels. The top floor is home to the master suite, and it’s a real standout.
With a beautiful wooden ceiling overhead and a window that looks out over breathtaking views, it’s the kind of space that feels peaceful, private, and full of character.
Dining Space
While many of Portugal’s windmills trace their roots back to the 12th century, this one has a slightly more recent story.
Built in the 19th century, it may not be ancient, but it’s full of charm—and a fresh renovation has made it feel incredibly warm and inviting. Step inside and you’ll find rough brick walls, beautiful exposed timber, and a rustic staircase that adds just the right touch of character.
It’s the kind of place that feels both historic and thoughtfully updated, where old-world charm meets modern comfort in the best way.
6. The Old Smock Windmill, Kent, UK
Tucked away in the charming village of Benenden in Kent, the Old Smock Windmill is a romantic escape with a rich past. Once a working mill, this unique property has roots that stretch all the way back to the early 1800s.
It’s part of a much older story, too. The very first smock mill appeared in England around 1650, and their clever design quickly spread across the countryside.
Originally used to pump and move water, these mills became a familiar sight, and this one has been beautifully preserved as a peaceful rural retreat.
Bedroom
Every room in this home is packed with charm, from the sloping walls and timber floors to the rustic beams and exposed brick that give the whole place a warm, lived-in feel.
But the master bedroom is on another level. Tucked beneath a soaring ceiling, it’s a true showpiece. A hand-crafted spiral staircase winds its way up beside incredible pieces of preserved windmill machinery, the original upright shaft, the massive spur wheel, even the old sack hoist.
It’s like sleeping in a piece of history, but with all the comfort you could want.
Living Space
With its distinctive smock windmill shape and weatherboarded exterior, this property has serious curb appeal that stops you in your tracks. Step inside and things only get better.
Light floods through every level, making each space feel open and inviting. At the base, there’s a charming garden hideaway, a fully self-contained studio perfect for guests or quiet retreats.
Upstairs, you’ll find a generous kitchen, a cozy living room, a king-sized bedroom, and a stunning bathroom that features both a walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub. Every floor brings a little something special to the experience.
7. Anemomilos, Zakynthos, Greece
Tucked into the quiet village of Volimes on Zakynthos Island, Anemomilos is a windmill with a story to tell. Once used to grind wheat into flour, it now stands proudly between the mountains and the sea, offering views that are nothing short of breathtaking.
Surrounded by nature and full of character, this old mill has been transformed into something truly special. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to experience.
With its rare charm and unforgettable setting, this unique conversion is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
Bedroom
This charming windmill stretches across three levels, with everything you need tucked neatly inside. There’s a compact kitchen and a cozy bathroom, along with two inviting bedrooms—one on the middle floor and the other perched right at the top.
The master suite steals the show. It’s full of character, with a beautifully beamed ceiling, rustic stone walls, and windows that flood the space with light.
Best of all, it offers sweeping 360-degree views of the island, making it feel like your own private lookout above it all.
Living Space
Outside, the home still shows off its rustic charm with rough stone walls and delicate fabric sails fluttering in the breeze. Step inside, though, and it’s a completely different kind of magic.
The space is full of light, warmth, and beautiful architectural details that make it feel truly special. Curved walls give the rooms a soft, welcoming feel, while handcrafted staircases wind gracefully from floor to floor.
Every little nook has been thoughtfully turned into a cozy living space. It’s the kind of place that immediately makes you feel at home.
8. Authentic Dutch windmill, Utrecht, Netherlands
When it comes to windmills, the Netherlands leads the way, and this stunning conversion is a perfect example of why.
Just outside Amsterdam, in the peaceful town of Abcoude, this historic beauty rises from the middle of open fields, its original sails still spinning with the breeze.
It’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a painting but offers all the comforts of modern living. With its rich heritage and postcard-perfect setting, this windmill isn’t just iconic—it’s irresistible.
Living Space
Built back in 1874, this charming windmill has been thoughtfully reimagined as a one-of-a-kind home filled with warmth and character. Inside, three spacious floors offer a cozy yet functional layout.
There are three inviting bedrooms, a comfortable lounge for relaxing, and a well-equipped kitchen perfect for everyday living. You’ll also find two toilets and a full family bathroom, all designed with comfort in mind.
It’s the kind of place where old-world charm meets everyday ease, making it feel both romantic and refreshingly livable.
Bedroom
With space for six, the bedrooms in this windmill are full of charm, each one feeling cozy and welcoming thanks to the original wooden details that give the place its soul.
Step outside and the magic continues. The surrounding countryside is picture-perfect, offering peaceful views in every direction.
And just beyond the front door flows the gentle Gein River, where guests can hop in a kayak and explore right from the property. It’s a peaceful escape that invites you to slow down and soak in the beauty all around you.
9. Clayton Windmills, West Sussex, UK
At its heart is a beautifully preserved 19th-century windmill, complete with an attached roundhouse.
The property also features a converted granary and a charming mill house from the 20th century, all set within over an acre of thoughtfully landscaped gardens.
Between the granary and the mill house, there’s more than 4,600 square feet of living space and seven bedrooms in total, making this a truly expansive and unforgettable place to call home.
Living Space
Originally built in 1963, the mill house was the vision of Brighton architect Peter Farley, blending sleek modernist design with the classic black-and-white style typical of Sussex mills.
While it honors tradition, the home isn’t afraid to take bold steps forward. A striking aluminum extension, dotted with a seed-scatter pattern, pays tribute to its farming roots in a creative, contemporary way.
Step inside and the space feels fresh and full of light, with mid-century modern touches, expansive picture windows, and warm parquet floors that add just the right amount of character.
Windmill Cottage
Suspended log burners add a cozy, modern touch that makes each space feel both stylish and welcoming. But there’s still plenty of history here.
Some of the older areas have been left beautifully untouched, full of original character and waiting to be brought back to life. One lofted room inside the windmill is just begging for restoration.
And if that’s not charming enough, Jill, the fully functional windmill, is even open to the public on Sundays during certain months.
10. Flea Windmill, São Miguel, Portugal
Perched right along the water’s edge in Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, the Flea Windmill is a true hidden gem.
Built in the 19th century, this unique home sits on a private slice of the Portuguese coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic in every direction. It’s the kind of place that immediately draws you in with its quiet beauty and rich history.
With the ocean stretching out just beyond your doorstep, this remarkable windmill is as dreamy as it is unforgettable.
Living Space
This one-of-a-kind windmill has serious style, with its crisp white walls and eye-catching copper touches on the upper level and blades. Step inside and you’ll find a surprisingly spacious layout spread across three charming floors.
There’s a cozy living room, a compact but functional kitchenette, a generous bathroom, and a king-sized bedroom perfect for relaxing after a day by the sea.
While the interior feels fresh and modern, bits of history still shine through, like the rugged exposed stone that beautifully frames the windows and reminds you this home has been standing since the 1800s.
Bedroom
Sitting at the very top of the windmill, the bedroom feels like something out of a dream. Wrapped in sleek wood paneling and surrounded by sweeping 360-degree windows, the space is both stylish and serene.
The bed is oversized and inviting, practically made for long mornings with a view. And what a view it is—the sea stretches out in every direction, offering a front-row seat to the horizon.
Waking up here wouldn’t just be peaceful, it would be a daily reminder of how beautiful life by the water can be.