"Higher Tech" Traditional Windmill

One of the problems with the modern Wind Turbine is that they are not so well liked aesthetically, and tend to be placed in "out of the way" locations.

Our suggestion is to combine the visually appealing "Traditional" mill concept with a modern Wind Turbine - in that the Mill building remains as a useable building - accomodation, retail, industrial, with a modern turbine in the basement, linked to the sail assembly via a hydraulic transmission. Owing to the capability to provide multiple uses, such a system could operate on lesser efficiency levels than "Modern" turbines, yet still provide a useful power supply to the local grid. Reductions in sail speeds would reduce wear on head bearings, and the more massive (though less efficient) structure would be less prone to sudden catastrophic failures.

Soundproofing - can be by use of efficient roofspace insulation (which has thermal benefits), and the basement turbine room may be similarly insulated.

Such a structure might attract a premium as a desirable residence, which would help to offset construction costs.