An 18th century watermill that was home to the man who made millions from Reader’s Digest

Victor Ross made his money not by participating in one of these prize draws, but by publishing the magazine itself – and he used his success to buy and restore the beautiful Worten Mill in Kent.

In the deepest county of Kent, water and wood dominate the picturesque Worthen Mill at Great Chart, four miles from Ashford International Station and 15 miles from Canterbury, which has been placed on the market through Strutt & Parker at an estimated price of £2.25 million.

Set in magical countryside near the popular village of Great Chart, the Grade II listed Worten Mill is thought to stand on the site of one of the first recorded watermills in the UK and is mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The property includes an 18th century former miller’s house and an old mill building, now the only family home with six bedrooms, with the mill wheel and wheel forming the hallmark of the building. Worten Mill Cottage is a detached three-bedroom cottage with a private garden.

For the past 14 years, Worten Mill has been the favorite holiday home of several Belgian families who bought it entirely from the late Victor Ross, the legendary former chairman Reader’s Digestwho restored the entire property and lived there for 40 years, says salesman Simon Backhouse.

A wide, oak-paneled door leads into a reception hall with floor-level windows overlooking the millpond and a staircase from the hall leading to an impressive fitted library with adjoining office.

The full-length part of the living room has an unusual semi-circular window overlooking the mill pond and wide steps leading up to the main reception area, where antique logs create a cathedral atmosphere. The adjoining dining room has a wide corner fireplace; the morning room overlooks the pond at the back.

Situated on the banks of the River Stour, which winds its way through over four acres, the gardens, originally designed by Russell Page, are awe-inspiring. The front garden is informally laid out with several paths and bridges crossing the river.

The back of the garden is dominated by the mill pond, while further paths and paths create an atmosphere of peace and charm.

Worten Mill is for sale with an estimated price of £2.25m – see more details and photos.

With wood paneling and armor in the lobby, the Home Counties Mansion is one of the gems on offer.