Iconic windmill from ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ launches to market

The property is internationally renowned for being the location for the filming of the much-loved 1968 musical-fantasy, Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang, which starred Dick Van Dyke and Sally Ann Howes. In addition, the film was produced by Albert 'Cubby' Broccoli - one of the 20^th Century's biggest film icons.

Launching to the market with a guide price of £9m, Cobstone Mill is situated overlooking the village of Turville (Vicar of Dibley location) in Buckinghamshire and is thought to have been originally built around 1816 as a smock mill, which reportedly ground cereal until 1873. In 1967 film producer Cubby Broccoli's team searched the English countryside for a picturesque windmill to become the exterior location for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

After an extensive search, Cobstone Mill was chosen and Broccoli's team cosmetically restored the windmill's exterior for filming. It is believed that Broccoli moved the team that had just wrapped filming on Bond film 'You Only Live Twice' straight to Turville to start work on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

After the film became a major hit, actress Hayley Mills and her film director husband, Roy Boulting, bought the mill at auction in 1971 and then undertook a major restoration project. It was then owned by others including David Brown of Aston Martin who sold Cobstone Mill in the 1980's to the current owner. Cobstone Mill has also featured in many other well-known films and television series.

Today, the pretty brick and flint main house features a grand double-height drawing room with floor to ceiling doors that open on to a large terrace overlooking the sheltered swimming pool. Meanwhile, the Grade II listed windmill itself had the sails restored fully by the current owner in the last 18 months. Internally, the original mill workings are a key feature, with a winding staircase leading from the ground floor reception room to bedrooms on the first and second floors. The views from Cobstone Mill are unparalleled, taking in the full splendour of the Hambleden Valley, stretching away to the south and east. Many would argue that the home's unique position is one of the most special countryside locations within 50 miles of central London.

Stephen Christie-Miller, head of Savills Henley, comments: "From the moment you arrive at Cobstone Mill it becomes immediately clear how special this property is and for many it will be instantly recognisable. From the beautiful architecture of the windmill to the spectacular views down the Hambleden Valley, Cobstone Mill has to be seen to be believed and this is even before you bring into consideration the home's extensive film history. I am sure that the homes unique heritage combined with today's offering, in a prime Buckinghamshire location, will appeal to both domestic and international buyers that are looking for the best of the best. Yes some homes claim to be iconic, however nothing comes close to Cobstone Mill."

Nicholas Brown, Private View Property, comments: "I am very fortunate to have acted in the sale and purchase of a great many of the finest homes over the course of 40 years. However, I can safely say that Cobstone Mill is perhaps the very best known of them all. It is a true landmark and the setting and views are without doubt breath-taking. To be able to market this iconic property is a huge privilege and for the next lucky owners, imagine inviting your friends to come and stay at the best known windmill in the world."