A Welcome to Needle & Grain
Welcome to our corner of Warwickshire. Needle & Grain is part of the historic 17th-century Oversley Mill estate, and we are so glad to share it with you. We hope this space gives you a chance to slow down, unplug, and enjoy the rhythm of the countryside.
To help you get the absolute most out of your stay without the guesswork, we have gathered our favorite local spots, walks, and historic day trips right here.
OUR LOCAL FLAVORS (PUBS & RESTAURANTS)
The Arrow Mill
Right on our doorstep, Arrow Mill is a stunning riverside 19th-century property offering an upscale restaurant and a beautifully cosy atmosphere. It is our absolute top recommendation for a special dinner or a relaxed, high-quality Sunday roast by the water.
You can easily walk, follow Mill lane towards Oversley Green, turn left down the side of Oversley Park, cross over the rive bridge and then follow the fields to the left, you will pass Oversley Mill House on the other side of the river, follow your nose and the Arrow Mill is just to the left.
The Turks Head
Located on the high street in nearby Alcester, The Turks Head is a fantastic, award-winning traditional pub. It has an incredibly warm, historic feel and serves fantastic British pub classics alongside great local ales. Perfect after a long afternoon of exploring.
The Moat House Inn
If you are looking for a lively country vibe with a brilliant menu, The Moat House Inn in Alcester is a wood-beamed gem. They serve fantastic artisanal pizzas and contemporary British dishes in a beautifully restored space.
HISTORIC DAYS OUT & CULTURE
Alcester Town
Just a short stroll or drive away, the ancient market town of Alcester is packed with Roman heritage and stunning timber-framed architecture. It is a wonderful place to wander, pick up items from the local bakeries, or explore the independent shops.
Stratford-upon-Avon & Shakespeare’s Country Only a short drive from the annexe, the historic home of William Shakespeare is a must-visit. Wander along the River Avon, visit the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RSC), or explore the historic houses. We recommend booking theatre tickets well in advance if you want to catch a world-class play.
The Gateway to the Cotswolds We are perfectly positioned to explore the northern edge of the Cotswolds. Take a scenic drive down to Broadway, Chipping Campden, or Chipping Norton to experience the quintessential honey-colored stone villages, incredible tea rooms, and rolling hills.
SCENIC LOCAL WALKS
THE ANNEXE INFO GUIDE
Everything you need to know for a seamless stay.
THE ESSENTIALS
- Wi-Fi Network:
[ Insert Network Name ] - Wi-Fi Password:
[ Insert Password ] - Your Hosts: Charlotte & Charlie – Contact us via the app or on
[ Insert Phone Number ]if you need anything at all.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
- Check-in: From 2:00 PM via the lockbox. The code for your stay will be messaged to you via your booking platform.
- Check-out: By11:00 AM We kindly ask that you lock up, return the key to the lockbox, and scramble the code upon leaving.
HOW THINGS WORK
The Induction Hob
- To turn on, press and hold the power button.
- Crucial Note: The hob uses safety sensors and will only heat up when an induction-compatible pan is placed directly on the ring.
- Use the
+and-controls to adjust the heat intensity.
The Air Fryer
- A quick and efficient alternative to the oven. Plug it in at the wall, select your desired temperature and time using the digital dial, and press start.
- Please ensure the basket is lined or wiped down after use.
The Thermostat (Heating)
- The heating is controlled by the smart thermostat located on the ledge in the kitchen.
- Simply use the + & - buttons to raise and lower the temprature. We ask that you please turn it down to 15c when leaving the property for the day.
The EV Charger
- If you have pre-booked the EV charger, please plug your vehicle in at the dedicated point in the parking area - we charge a flat rate of £15 per charge, which we can process via your booking platform.
SAFETY & EMERGENCY PLAN
Your safety is incredibly important to us. Please take a quick moment to familiarize yourself with the layout below:
- Fire Extinguisher & Fire Blanket: Located safely under the kitchen sink.
- First Aid Kit: Located under the kitchen sink.
- In the Event of a Fire:
- Calmly evacuate the annexe immediately via the main entrance door.
- If the main door is blocked, your secondary emergency exit is through the private doorway into the main house.
- Assemble safely away from the building in the driveway area.
- Call the Emergency Services immediately by dialing 999 and inform your hosts.
- Property Address for Emergency Services: Needle & Grain, Oversley Mill House, Alcester, B49 6LQ
A BRIEF HISTORY OF OVERSLEY MILL
When you sleep at Needle & Grain, you are staying on ground that has been a center of rural industry, community, and life for nearly a thousand years. The story of Oversley Mill is deeply woven into the heritage of Alcester and the shifting tides of the British countryside.
1. From the Domesday Book to Medieval Roots
Long before the current house was built, a watermill stood on this very stretch of the River Arrow. The earliest official record of a mill at Oversley appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, commissioned by William the Conqueror. By 1155, the local mills were integral to the area, and historic records from 1287 note that "two watermills and a fishery" were attached directly to the local Manor of Oversley. For centuries, generations of local families brought their corn here to be ground into flour using the natural power of the river.
2. The 17th Century & The Needle Masters
The character-filled timber beams and historic structure you see today date back to the 17th century, a period when the site evolved beyond simple corn grinding.
In the 19th century, Oversley Mill took on a fascinating new life. Between 1825 and 1844, the mill was leased by the prominent firm of Holyoake of Redditch—a world-renowned name in the peak of the British industrial revolution—and converted into a needle-scouring mill. The fast-flowing waters of the Arrow were harnessed to power the machinery used to polish and sharpen millions of needles, which were then shipped across the British Empire. This rich industrial chapter is exactly what inspired the name of your holiday cottage: Needle & Grain.
3. The Return to Grain & The Sisam Era
After the needlemaking trade consolidated back towards Redditch in the mid-1840s, Oversley Mill reverted to its original purpose: grinding corn.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mill was operated by the Sisam family, famous local millers who also ran the nearby Arrow Mill. While Arrow Mill adopted modern steel rollers to produce fine white flour, they kept Oversley Mill running to grind the coarser "provender" (grain used for cattle feed). For decades, the lanes around Oversley Mill House would have been filled with the sounds of heavy cart horses and rumbling timber wagons delivering sacks of grain to farms across Warwickshire.
4. A New Era of Sanctuary
Commercial milling at the site finally drew to a quiet close around 1925. The old machinery and water turbines were eventually removed, and the surrounding buildings were gracefully converted, ensuring the architectural heritage was preserved for the future.
Today, Oversley Mill House stands as a protected Grade II listed estate. Needle & Grain occupies a beautifully restored historic wing of the property. When you look out over the gardens or touch the ancient wooden beams, you are connecting directly with a thousand years of Warwickshire history—a true sanctuary that has stood the test of time.
