Le Vieux Moulin France

After searching high and low for their dream Dordogne home, upon seeing Le Vieux Moulin in the glorious sunshine, the owners immediatley knew this was the one! Back then it was a crumbling paper mill in idyllic surroundings, yet after months of passion and dedication they have restored it to a stunningly beautiful place to stay.
As soon as you cross the little bridge over one of the two rivers which encircle Le Vieux Moulin, you know you are in an incredible setting. Surrounded by forests, countryside and the sound of the flowing rivers backing on to the gardens, this is rural life at its best in the heart of the Couze valley, just south of the Dordogne river.
Step inside and be amazed at the high standard of renovation of this former paper mill and farm, some of which dates back to the early 17th Century. With a nod to the home’s historic past, many original features have been beautifully restored alongside a contemporary and minimalist vibe with stylish furnishings and sleek décor.
Downstairs the living room, dining space and modern kitchen with its original terracotta floors offers comfort with warmth from the wood-burning fires on cooler days or doors opening up to the gardens as summer approaches. Upstairs there are six ensuite bedrooms, including an impressive master bedroom with its very own bathtub standing grandly in the room. The sixth bedroom (available only when booking for up to 12 guests), is part of a lovely apartment which has its own downstairs living space and could be ideal for visiting grandparents or friends. 
Outside in the gardens you can find welcome shade under a tree, laze on a hammock with a good book, enjoy a game of boules and table tennis or simply relax on the pool terrace by the inviting heated swimming pool, whilst listening to the river flowing. As evening approaches, dine to the sound of hooting owls on your covered terrace by the summer kitchen and barbecue and enjoy long evenings with fine wine, food, family and friends.
Despite this rural idyll, it’s only a five-minute drive to the charming local village with a well-regarded restaurant and the ruins of an abbey which hosts concerts in the summer. You’re also only 5km from Beaumont-du-Périgord with its pretty shops, restaurants and a wonderfully atmospheric night market in the summer where you can feast and drink wine with locals.
The Dordogne river is just a 20-minute drive away where you can picnic by the riverside or hire canoes for a lovely trip out. Picture-perfect villages within easy reach include Limeuil, Trémolat, La Roque-Gageac and Domme.
Closer to home, Monpazier is only 16km away, thought to be one of France’s most beautifully preserved villages. Not forgetting Bergerac, within half an hour with its medieval architecture and unmissable Maisons des Vins.
In one of the most picturesque regions of France, the Dordogne also offers wonderful hiking, horse-riding, cycling and golf. Not to mention some of the country’s best food markets which are held across surrounding villages and towns. Pick up local cheeses, breads, cakes, foie gras and canard to take back to your beautiful home for an authentic Dordogne experience. The setting of Le Vieux Moulin is just idyllic – it’s on an island in the Couze valley encircled by two rivers, accessed via a little bridge and surrounded by forests and countryside. Yet it is only a 5-minute drive to the nearest village, a charming place where you will find a lovely bistro by the ruins of a beautiful abbey, where summer concerts are sometimes held.
The bastide town of Beaumont-du-Périgord (6km) is just a little further with restaurants, pretty shops and galleries. In the summer there is a wonderfully atmospheric night market on a Monday evening where you can sit on long-wooden tables, choose your food from one of the street-market traders and buy local wine to enjoy, there is even some dancing too.
The Dordogne region offers endless activities for all ages from golf within half an hour to horse-riding, hiking and cycling across the magnificent countryside.  Some of France’s most wonderful food markets are held across surrounding villages and towns where you can pick up amazing fresh produce such as local cheeses, breads, cakes, foie gras, canard as well as fruit and vegetables and there is also some superb wine-tasting across the region.
You are just a 20-minute drive to the glorious Dordogne river in Le Buisson-de-Cadouin where you can hire canoes, enjoy leisurely picnics or follow the river and explore some of the idyllic riverside villages such as Limeuil (20km), where the Vézère river meets the Dordogne and Trémolat (22km) with its Michelin starred restaurant. Further east are some of the Dordogne’s most famous attractions such as Beynac-et-Cazenac (40km) with its famous chateau, La Roque-Gageac (45km) and beautiful Domme (48km), officially one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Another one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Monpazier, is only 16km away, a bastide town dating back to the 13th Century and thought to be one of France’s most beautifully preserved villages. Issigeac (20km) is also worthy of a visit, especially on a Sunday morning when the bustling market takes place.
Not forgetting Bergerac (32km) with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques and great restaurants as well as the unmissable Maisons des Vins and the famous town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (50km) with its maze of medieval lanes, lovely squares and amazing restaurants specialising in cuisine of the Perigord. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
– Welcome Pack including wine, beer, water, bread, cheese, fruit, butter and kitchen essentials plus bio and non-bio washing tablets – Honest skin-care toiletries – Owners live on site to help with restaurant recommendations, places to visit etc
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Simple meal on arrival if arriving late- Specific requests for extra items in the welcome pack on arrival- Private chef- Private wine tastings by appointment 
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!