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Former 17th Century British Watermill Hits Market for £1.5 million

The house comes with fishing rights for the nearby river

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A 17th-century house in the British countryside in the South East of England, set in an idyllic riverside location, has come onto the market for £1.5 million (US$1.95 million).

Old Watermill was in use as a mill until the 1940s, when it was converted to a residential property. It’s located in the small village of Odell, Bedfordshire, which features many stone properties from the 17th and 18th centuries.

The half-acre property is historically significant because it was mentioned in the Domesday book of 1066, and was once part of the Odell Castle Estate, said the listing. The Domesday Book was commissioned in 1085 by William the Conqueror who invaded England in 1066. The purpose of this document was to assess the wealth of the land and his subjects.

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The estate was owned for around 300 years by the Alston family, who built the new residence on the remains of de Wahull Castle. The The limestone home that still stands today is believed to date back to around 1750. The Alstons sold the estate to philanthropist Georgia Lawson Johnston in 1930s, according to the listing.

The home’s 16th-century oak doors open onto the main entrance hall that has strippped oak floorboards and a fireplace. Wrought iron furniture can be found throughout the converted mill.

The six-bedroom, five-bathroom property has retained many of its original features, such as original paneling, exposed beams, fireplaces and the old mill wheel. Highlights of the original architecture include the imported Irish oak staircase and 16th century floors.

An outdoor porch has been fitted with glass railings, seamlessly updating the older house with sleek new design.

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Since being converted, additions such as underfloor heating, modern bathrooms, a new kitchen with an island unit and a remote-controlled electric triple oven have been added.

Its location—on the banks of the River Great Ouse—is also a draw. "It’s unique setting by this river makes it the perfect property for lovers of nature because they will have lush countryside right on their doorsteps," said Richard Banks, the listing agent for this property.

For wilderness explorers, the home also comes with fishing rights for the adjacent river. Any buyer would "be able to fish freely in the river. So you can only imagine taking your guests out on a fishing trip right in your backyard,"  Mr. Banks said.