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Watermill
SPECIAL OFFER PRICES ARE FOR 2 WEEK BOOKINGS ! FREE WI-FI
NEW FOR 2019 A 7m X 4m WOODEN HEATED ABOVE GROUND POOL IN LAND SCAPED GARDENS OVER LOOKING THE RIVER !
Unique rental accommodation in an ancient Water Mill with helpful/discreet owners on site. Set in acres of landscaped gardens minutes from the medieval town of Melle.Within 1hrs easy reach of Golden Beaches, Cognac,La Rochelle, Futuroscope,Green Venice,Monkey valley etc..
The Mill has been renovated and furnished to a very high standard maintaining its illuminated mill workings & fitted kitchen in the original millrace.The lounge/dining room has just been converted into a 'low carbon' area (waterwheel electricity, rain water toilet, Solar hot water etc..) Large flat screen Sky TV, large patio doors that look out across the g...SPECIAL OFFER PRICES ARE FOR 2 WEEK BOOKINGS ! FREE WI-FI
NEW FOR 2019 A 7m X 4m WOODEN HEATED ABOVE GROUND POOL IN LAND SCAPED GARDENS OVER LOOKING THE RIVER !
Unique rental accommodation in an ancient Water Mill with helpful/discreet owners on site. Set in acres of landscaped gardens minutes from the medieval town of Melle.Within 1hrs easy reach of Golden Beaches, Cognac,La Rochelle, Futuroscope,Green Venice,Monkey valley etc..
The Mill has been renovated and furnished to a very high standard maintaining its illuminated mill workings & fitted kitchen in the original millrace.The lounge/dining room has just been converted into a 'low carbon' area (waterwheel electricity, rain water toilet, Solar hot water etc..) Large flat screen Sky TV, large patio doors that look out across the garden.A fully fitted kitchen has been installed in the original mill race, indoor fishing! Large work surfaces with double sink, microwave/grill, oven, microwave,dishwasher, washing machine, kettle, toaster and large fridge/freezer.The 'machine room' has a stone flagged floor,oak beams and the original 18th century illuminated mill workings, armchairs/settee, SKY TV/DVD, Sound system, books and games. A wide hardwood staircase leads to the first floor where there are 3 bedrooms. The 'Oak room' with the old mill stones embedded in the floor has a double bed,wardrobe, TV/DVD player & en suite shower room, WC, hand basin. Annexed 'Millers room' with 2x single beds which can also be accessed by its own private balcony. A third double bedroom called the 'Granary' has a TV/DVD with en suite Jacuzzi bath, separate WC and host's a four poster bed and a single bed.All bedrooms are equipped with electric fans to keep you cool in the hot summer months.
The 'Green Venice' (Marais Poitevin) is only a pleasant 40 minutes drive. An hour to the south is Cognac with its many distilleries offering guided tours, including the famous Hennessy, Martell and Remy Martin. Wildlife parks, historical buildings, chateaux, museums, aquariums, golf courses and theme parks make this area the perfect choice for that very special holiday that bring returning guests year after year.
Facilities include, Free Wi-Fi ,French & English TV,Badminton, Table Tennis,Boules,6' snooker table, mountain Bikes, 7m x 4m x 1.3m Heated Plunge Pool, Gas & charcoal Barbeques, Bread oven covered Barbeque eating area, pool covered eating area, garden furniture.
We have brought up 3 children here and have rented out to families with children of all ages over the past 17 years.We have done every thing possible to make the property & grounds as safe and child friendly as possible,enclosed garden around the pool,electric gates etc..but nothing can replace parent supervision.Welcome Hamper on arrival, seasonal fruit & vegetables fresh from our gardens, reductions for longer lets & couples.
House Rules
Pets not allowedKid friendlyNo smoking
We have no children restrictions, we have brought up 3 children here and have rented out to families with children of all ages over the past 18 years.We have done every thing possible to make the property & grounds as safe and child friendly as possible.Enclosed garden where the pool is,electric gates etc...but nothing can replace parent supervision.
We accepted pets for nearly 20 years but after a run of very irresponsible dog owners now decline pets.
Bedrooms
2 Fulls3 Twins
Bathrooms
1 Attached (ensuite)1 Shower
Meet the host
Jason S
Hosting since November 2012
Languages spoken: English, French
Response Rate: 100%
Response Time: Within a few hours
Interaction with guests: Owners welcome to the property on hand if needed and very discrete if not !
Shamefully we did very little. We had great plans to explore this beautiful region of France, but the tranquil paradise was so enthralling we just didn’t want to leave it.
The tropical gardens, feeding the goats, ducks, hens (and feeding the fish in the Mill Race), playing with the security cat, and of course the beautiful pool. You are spoilt for choice of where to relax, sun or shade, and inside the luxurious lounge is so comfy with a huge TV. However, we very rarely used it, choosing to be outside from dawn to dusk.
No review can capsule the beauty of the place, and the lavish welcoming basket plus the fresh produce that arrived on our doorstep mid week was more than an added bonus.
Jason and Marie-Laurie are the perfect hosts with the right balance of being available but also unobtrusive and so very laid back and helpful (even to the point of providing last minute oil for the car which would have broken down on drive back without it!)
The bed was super comfy, the bath luxurious, everywhere so tastefully furnished. We couldn’t fault a thing. We have stayed in so many rentals over the years I can can honestly say this far surpasses anywhere else.
But hey don’t take my word for it…. See it for yourself. We will definitely be back, and next time perhaps we will be a little more adventurous.
Thank you so much to you both for such a wonderful week. The place and yourselves are awesome. As Alison said… you have nailed it!
Visited August 2022
Written September 10, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom420421
Dear Ruth and Alison
Thank you so much for your kind comments they make everything worth while . It was lovely to meet you and an absolute pleasure having you to stay at the mill .
Kind Regards
Jason and Marie-Laure
Written September 20, 2022. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
debbiedevil
281 contributions
The most perfect place to stay
The warmest welcome from great hosts and it just gets better from there. We had the most wonderful welcome basket which was very thoughtful and some stunning flowers. It’s been our third stay in this top quality property and each time the hosts have done more work and made it even better. The mill is steeped in history but has been converted so that is is super comfortable and done to the highest quality.
They’ve really thought of everything, the garden is fully landscaped with a pool and is truly delightful. There’s a massive family room which is tastefully appointed and wonderful to relax in. There are goats, ducks and chickens in a contained area so you can mix with them if you love animals or keep your distance if you’re not sure. There are books and magazines for you to borrow, games to play, or just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. Lots of places to visit locally and Jason and Marie-Laure are happy to help with suggestions.
The house is spotlessly clean and the grounds are very well maintained, it’s lovely to wander round them and appreciate everything that has been done. We’ve only just returned home and are already planning our next trip.
Visited May 2022
Written May 22, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kev2961
Sittingbourne, United Kingdom26 contributions
Wow!
The first wow is when you arrive and drive through the beautifully landscaped gardens to the property.
The wows don't stop there, this beautiful old building has been lovingly renovated while still retaining many original features including exposed beams, mill stones, machinery and the mill race running through the kitchen (which, along with the thick stone walls, helps to keep the property nice and cool.
On arrival the kitchen was well stocked with fresh vegetables, eggs and the best welcome hamper we have ever seen! There is also a good stock of very reasonably priced wine so you never run out!
We loved the original features, the mill race, the fresh flowers in the lounge, the heated pool, the old bread oven, the bbq, the table tennis, the streams, the sound of running water, the woodland walk, the goats, the hammock, the mill pond, the sunshine.......... there is so much about this place it is difficult to know where to begin (and end).
The owners Jason and Marie-Laure are lovely and helpful (thanks for arranging the vets appointment) and they manage to be available and discreet at the same time.
If you are looking for a peaceful break in rural France with plenty of places to visit, you can't go far wrong with this!
Visited July 2020
Written July 26, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom420421
Hi Kev & Family
Thank you so much for your kind comments ! We really appreciate it !
It was an absolute pleasure having you stay in our watermill and if we could do a revue on our clients you would get top marks for everything. A special thank you to you for leaving the property so clean and tidy .
Thank you once again .
Kind Regards
Jason and Marie-Laure
Written July 31, 2020. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liam S
2 contributions
Wonderful!
This was a beautiful watermill in an even more beautiful setting with great service!
When we arrived at the watermill, we could not have received a warmer welcome from the owner.
We enjoyed sitting outside on the Adirondack chairs looking out at the water. The watermill is in a quiet location.
Visited July 2019
Written November 18, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lhardy A
1 contribution
Superbe gîte
Accueil chaleureux. Moulin rénové avec goût. La météo ne nous a pas permis de profiter des exterieurs qui sont vastes et bien entretenus .
Visited November 2019
Written November 9, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Clare S
19 contributions
What a find - a beautiful watermill and gardens with treats too - what's not to like?
What a find! Hubbie and I had the luxury of this watermill to our two selves for two weeks! Quirky, thoughtfully decorated watermill, with sole use of the private front gardens with outdoor dining area with BBQ, Breadoven and raised pool what's not to like. Jason the host, is very accommodating and very discrete too. Provided such a wonderful welcome basket (they should get an award just for this alone) and wee thoughtful treats throughout the fortnight too. Perfect location to sit and relax in the peace and quiet but also handy for day trips too, for us LaRochelle, Puy du Foy and Cognac to name but a few... I can understand why they have so many loyal repeat visitors as it's truly a beautiful and relaxing gite and Richard and I hope to be among them too! Thanks again Jason.
Visited October 2019
Written October 28, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JoAndy50
Newark-on-Trent, United Kingdom2 contributions
Beautiful property in perfect setting - highly recommend a stay here
Had an amazing time relaxing in this perfect location. Everything was as we had expected and more! The dogs loved playing endlessly in the stream and the back garden area near the bread oven was a perfect sun trap in the evening, a lovely place to relax, listening to the sound of the birds and water after a day of sightseeing.
So many lovely places to see locally and Coulon and “Green Venice” was a lovely day out with a boat trip a must!
La Rochelle and Ile de Re are simply stunning and much closer than we thought at just over an hour away.
Finally a big thank you to Jason, Marie-Laure and their family for making us feel so welcome we couldn’t have asked for more than being able to share their beautiful and historic home, seeing first-hand how they have lovingly creates this wonderful place through many years of hard work and dedication!
So thank you so much from Andy, Jo, Nelly and Seth :)
Visited June 2019
Written August 20, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom420421
Hi Andy & Jo
Thank you for your kind comments ! It means a lot to us :-) Happy clients = Happy owners :-) !!!!!
All the best
Jason & Marie-Laure
Written August 21, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
198Fionski
38 contributions
Beautifully restored watermill
We were so lucky to find Le Moulin, and stayed here at the beginning of July with our 3 grown up daughters and Golden Retriever. What a beautiful place! Jason met us on arrival and showed us around, explaining that his lovely wife, Marie-Laure, had left a welcome pack, fresh eggs, and plums, and to help ourselves to as many apricots off the trees as we could handle! There was also a selection of wines in the kitchen and a wee honesty box - I loved this idea.
As for the mill, I don't know where to start - it was just beautiful. It is easy to see how much love and attention has gone in to restoring it, and the photographs definitely don't do it justice. We have stayed in so many houses and gites throughout France and Spain, but can honestly say we have never stayed in a place that had a river running through the house! Amazing!
The garden, too, was stunning with lots of mature trees, and had the added bonus of having a wee stream running through it. It was incredibly peaceful with just the sound of the water and the trees. Our girls loved going in to the field to see the goats, and no wonder - they're adorable!
Our only regret was that we were only here for a week. Would we stay there again? Absolutely. In fact, we could stay there forever.
Thank you, Jason and Marie-Laure for being brilliant hosts, and for making our family and our dog feel so very welcome. You two have got it just right!
Visited July 2019
Written August 8, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom420421
Dear Fiona & Family
Thank you so much for your kind comments ! It has restored our faith in human nature after getting an absolute slateing on tripadvisor because we were not prepared to except the state our last guest's left our property.
Thank you once again, it was lovely meeting you and so chuffed you had a nice time :-)
Kind Regards
Jason & Marie-laure
Written August 10, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emma B
Southampton, United Kingdom21 contributions
Disappointed
We had a good week and were going to leave good reviews but having received a very rude email from them, we won’t be. We left the property in a very good condition, we stripped the beds and started a wash. We took photos of property to show it was in good condition before we left. I didn’t realise that leaving gîte clean and tidy meant we had to make the beds back up, or clean the bathrooms, toilets and hoover and clean the floors??! ! We took our dog and were told she’d left a wet dog smell - the property smelt when we arrived but we put it down to it being old - top tip - don’t rent your property out to people with dogs. They’ve kept our deposit and we have been left with a bad taste in our mouth. We have stayed in many gites and villas and this is the first time we’ve encountered a non return of our deposit. We also pride ourselves on leaving properties clean and tidy. If you rent this place, take a cleaner with you!
Visited July 2019
Written August 6, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom420421
Dear Emma
Thank you for being the first person in 20 years to give us negative feed back !
Is this a sign of the times ?
It gives Me, Marie-Laure & family great pleasure in sharing our property and have always gone out of our way to make our clients holiday as enjoyable and comfortable as possible which I'm sure is confirmed in our 5/5 revues and can be read in our 2 visitors books that are available at the property.
You were no exception to the rule, We gave you a warm personnel welcome with flowers and a hamper and wine in the fridge ! I spoke and advised you a good few times on buying a property out here in France as it was one of your future projects. I phoned the local garage for you for 2 new tyres and explained where the vets could be found and can assure you that in case of accident, ill health or anything else unforeseen we would have been here to help you !
And in return you left our property in an un reasonable state,notably because of your dog that you had let come in and out of the river and property all week , on top of this there was dog sick on the floors, dog hair everywhere, and it had scratched the front door clawing to get in !
The whole property smelt of wet dog, notably the mill room which is not only a problem for us but current guest's who have complained !
When I e-mailed you yesterday/today the first thing you have done is give us a bad revue.
Thanks for the Top Tip ! The majority of our clients with animals you would never even know that a dog had been here, but if the sign of the times is that if you don't except the way we leave your property we will slate you on trip advisor we may have to !
Wishing you all the best in your future French project
Jason,Marie-Laure and family
Written August 7, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
@Johannan777
Barnoldswick, United Kingdom2 contributions
Stunning property in a idyllic location
We cannot recommend this property enough after a weeks holiday there in April 2019.After an easy drive from Limoges airport, we were welcomed by the owners Jason and Marie-Laure, who gave us a guided tour of the stunning property, which has been renovated to an extremely high standard. The rooms are all spacious, spotlessly clean, with everything you need to feel at home. The gardens are absoultely beautiful, you are spoilt for choice where to sit and relax and take in the idyllic scenery. There's an amazing outdoor area, with a bread oven where you can sit in the evening by a fire, which also has a bar-b-q, fridge etc. There's plenty to keep teenagers entertained, table tennis, darts, pool etc. Great location, highly recommend Puy du fou, Green Venice and La Rochelle. Didn't have time to go everywhere we wanted to visit as the property is so amazing, you need to make time to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. Cannot wait to go back.
Visited April 2019
Written April 22, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Freedom420421
Thank you Joanne for your kind comments .
It was an absolute pleasure having you to stay and welcome you back with open arms when ever you like ‘
Kind Regards
Jason and Marie-Laure
Written April 22, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Just a few minutes away by car Melle is a beautiful market town in the heart of the Poitou Charentes region of France.Melle with it silver mines that used to serve the kings of France offers,romanesque churches,nature trails and a superb base for old & young a like to discover the region and all it has to offer
Getting around
You can fly to one of many of the local airports which are only 1hr away. Where you can hire a car which is essential to see this beautiful region of France.
Or equaly by train to either Niort or Poitiers where car hire is also available.
100% refund within 24 hours after booking (provided the stay is at least 60 days away).
No refund available once booking is confirmed
About this property
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