Peaceful Watermill and Bergerie with Pool

Le Moulin details

Home description

Bordered by a stream and set next to a private château, these two charming detached properties offer the privacy you need to relax and pamper yourself. Renovated to a high standard while retaining their original features, you can savour the special ambience of the real Dordogne.

The local village, with all essential amenities is within walking distance. Also close by are the historic towns of Sarlat and Les Eyzies. Indeed all the attractions of the Dordogne and Vezere valleys are within easy reach, so there is plenty to see and do even if the sun's not shining. Otherwise go mountain biking in the hills (direct from the properties), canoeing, horse riding, fishing, river swimming, golfing or just laze by the pool enjoying a book and vin blanc in the beautiful surroundings.

Accommodation detail

Le Moulin de Belet comprises two properties, Le Moulin and La Bergerie. The former, pictured above left,  a sympathetically converted watermill, was used to grind locally grown walnuts for their oil. There is an attractive mill pond at the front of Le Moulin which is now the home of a large number of fish and this is surrounded by a large private garden bordered by a small stream. The garden features many different types of trees, evergreen and deciduous with shrubs and plants and has a very large grassed area.   The house and garden offer a special ambience which is difficult to describe and, these days, very hard to find.

Le Moulin has 3 double and 2 single bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 1 shower room, 3 toilets, fully fitted and equipped kitchen, adjoining very large breakfast/dining room, with wood burning stove and door to raised outdoor balcony/entertaining area overlooking the garden. There is a very big lounge with inglenook fireplace and Jotul woodburning stove. Satellite TV/video and Bose CD Hi-Fi. The garden is secluded, private and runs to about 1 acre.

There is central heating making the properties suitable for year round letting.

General Information

The cost of gas, electricity and water is included. In the heating season, firewood is charged at cost, as is the cost of oil fired central heating and electricity for electric convector heaters. Egyptian cotton bed linen and towels are included in the price. Pool towels can be hired if needed.

 

About the location

The Perigord Noir - An Enchanting Area to Visit

It was not just for the sake of a simple colour code that the Dordogne, under Napoleon, was divided into the White, Black, Green and Purple Perigords. These four areas of the Dordogne have always been distinct both culturally and in terms of architecture, geology and flora. However, it is the Perigord Noir that has always been considered the real, true Dordogne. And unlike some other properties, Le Moulin de Belet is located in the heart of the Perigord Noir which means all the famous sites and pleasures of the area are on your doorstep.

The Black Perigord was named after its famous black truffles, the gastronomes delight, which were reputed for their suffocating smell in the early part of the century. However, 'black' is also the colour of the abundant 'live' oak trees, under which the truffles are found, and which only drop their leaves in spring. In winter their 'black' leaves and dark shape dominate the skyline and are typical of the scenery in this part of the Dordogne. The local area is world renowned for its prehistoric painted and sculpted caves such as Lascaux (15 mins from the property) and the wealth of prehistoric remains in the Vezere Valley. Medieval chateaux and towns abound, such as Domme and Sarlat, which are about a half hour drive away.  For lovers of wine, St. Emillon and Pomerol are about an hour to the west as are the many vineyards of Bergerac.

A Fantastic Gastronomic Experience Awaits You!

This is the Kingdom of the Foie Gras, of duck 'steaks' (magrets), of preserved goose and duck - and of the mighty truffle. The whole SW region is also the domain of noble wines and spirits – not only the great vintages of the Gironde, Medoc, Graves, Pomerol and St. Emilion but also the eaux de vie of Cognac and Armagnac.

Of all the regions of SW France, the Dordogne is undoubtedly the one which has the best preserved traditions. The older people here still wear berets and walk with canes; they sit in their armchairs beside the fire and shell chestnuts and walnuts – a very prestigious and valuable crop in these parts. Traditional ingredients abound and end up in dishes that bring the aroma of the whole country to the taste buds. Stuffed goose neck, preserved goose and duck confits, foie gras and truffles. Potatoes cooked in the Sarlat style, with garlic, are the standard accompaniment. Pate de foie gras is only one of the many forms of the local pates which might equally be based on partridge or chicken livers. The truffle is also used in many of the various shaped terrines. This 'black diamond' belongs to a rare variety of fungi and is said to be an aphrodisiac. Its perfume is one of the most intoxicating imaginable. This perfume enhances many dishes in the form of truffle juice, thin shavings, or more substantial portions. In scrambled eggs, an omelet or simple salad the truffle can work wonders.

All of this can be enjoyed in the many restaurants in the area. From the inexpensive 'Fermes Auberges' offering simple local country cooking, to haute cuisine in Michelin starred restaurants. But if the kids are missing their Big Macs and fries – that's here too!

The Weather

The weather here is mild and warm from mid April. Spring is a particularly pleasant time with abundant flora and temperatures in the low '70's. Summers are long and hot, usually in the '80's sometimes the '90's. However, winter rainfall and the occasional spectacular summer thunderstorm means the countryside remains very green and picturesque. Autumn is often a special time to visit. It's still warm and the foliage display is beautiful – reminiscent of the Fall in New England but much quieter with fewer tourists. The generally mild climate from April to October makes eating outdoors a pleasure and barbecues are supplied with both houses.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Adventure park, Ballooning, Bird Watching, Boules, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Flying, Go karting, Golf, Gourmet dining, Hiking, Horse riding, Kayaking, Mountain biking, Rambling, Riverside activities, Shopping, Sightseeing, Swimming, Table tennis, Tennis, Tree adventure park, Walking, Wine tasting, Wine touring

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

The property is not far from Sarlat and can be found between Les Eyzies and Montignac Lascaux

Plane: Bordeaux and Toulouse airports are about 2 hour's drive away with daily scheduled flights from London Gatwick and Paris Orly. Ryan Air offer a cheaper alternative from London Stanstead to Bergerac, Biarritz, Bordeaux,Carcassonne and Limoges. They also have flights from Glasgow and Dublin to Paris Beauvais. (There are internet links to Ryan Air on our Home Page)

Train: The nearest TGV (high speed train) station is Libourne (1.5hrs) or Bordeaux (2hrs). Motorail is possible to Brive (1hr). Our closest mainline station is Perigueux and the local station is Les Eyzies

Ferry/Road: A wide choice exists, but the closest ferry port is St. Malo ( 5 hrs ) the furthest Calais, about 8 hrs.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.