The gong and winding road: Roundabout with a windmill on it is crowned best in Britain

British roundabouts aren't exactly known for their aesthetic appeal.
But one in York which has a working windmill in the middle has been crowned the best in Britain.
The Holgate Windmill, which is stationed on a roundabout at the centre of a 1960s residential estate just outside York, dates as far back as 1770.
Magic: A car makes its way around Holgate Mill roundabout in York which has been voted Best in Britain by the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society
Magic: A car makes its way around Holgate Mill roundabout in York which has been voted Best in Britain by the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society
Kevin Beresford, president of the Roundabout Appreciation Society, called it 'totally unique'.
Mr Beresford said he’s travelled up and down the country and now thinks he’s found the 'perfect gyratory'.
The four-storey structure which is the last remaining in York, is also being restored by around 600 members which form part of the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society.
 

Some upgrades the Grade 2 listed building has seen include after more than a ten years of fundraising for the site.
Mr Beresford described most roundabouts 'an oasis in a sea of asphalt', whereas the Holgate Windmill roundabout was the 'Holy Grail' according to the enthusiast.
'I was gobsmacked,' he added. 'It's like a work of art and still in such great appearance after all these years.
The four storey working windmill dates back to 1770 and was recently been restored by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society in York
The four storey working windmill dates back to 1770 and was recently been restored by the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society in York
Holgate roundabout features on the front cover of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society's Best of British Roundabouts 2013 calendar
Holgate roundabout features on the front cover of the UK Roundabout Appreciation Society's Best of British Roundabouts 2013 calendar
A millwright fits a sale to the windmill originally built in the 18th century. This is the last stage of the ten year old restoration process that finished last year
A millwright fits a sale to the windmill originally built in the 18th century. This is the last stage of the ten year old restoration process that finished last year
'It's spectacular and will definitely take some beating. It just shows that a roundabout can have anything on it.'
Previous roundabouts to be awarded the society’s accolade are the BFI Imax roundabout in London and the Shepherd and Flock roundabout in Farnham.
Jenny Hartland, chair of the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society, said its members were very greatful for the accolade.
It highlighted the roundabout as 'one of the most dramatic and remarkable' in the country, she said.
The award means the roundabout would feature on the front cover of the Roundabout Preservation Society’s 2013 calendar.
Holgate Mill in York in the early 20th century. The roundabout in York which features the working windmill has been named by enthusiasts as the best in Britain
Holgate Mill in York in the early 20th century. The roundabout in York which features the working windmill has been named by enthusiasts as the best in Britain
Holgate Windmill, located on a roundabout at the centre of a 1960s residential estate just outside York, dates back to about 1770
Holgate Windmill, located on a roundabout at the centre of a 1960s residential estate just outside York, dates back to about 1770
Holgate Windmill, located on a roundabout at the centre of a 1960s residential estate just outside York, dates back to about 1770


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