Country house, sleeps 10, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Contact the owner
Contact the owner directly
Adam Gatehouse
(Advertising since November 1998)
Tel: Contact owner by e-mail
If requested by the owner you can print out a booking form here
Please mention French Connections.
Moulin Joly from the front (1 / 35)
The terrace overlooking the river (2 / 35)
Bathroom (3 / 35)
Bathroom (detail) (4 / 35)
bathroom detail (5 / 35)
Bedroom 1 (6 / 35)
Bedroom 1 en suite shower (7 / 35)
Bedroom 1 detail (8 / 35)
Bedroom 3 looking out over the river (9 / 35)
Bedroom 3 - local furniture (10 / 35)
Bedroom 3 window looking out to river (11 / 35)
Upper bedroom with roof tree. Great for the kids (12 / 35)
little bedroom 2 view out to river (13 / 35)
Mill room - dining area with view over millstream (14 / 35)
Mill room with wood burning stove (15 / 35)
Mill room - dining area (16 / 35)
Sitting room (17 / 35)
Moulin Joly from the riverside (18 / 35)
Looking downstream with ancient stepping stones (19 / 35)
The river at evening (20 / 35)
River upstream early morning (21 / 35)
Ancient stone bridge (22 / 35)
The terrace, looking out over the river (23 / 35)
Sunlounger on the weir (24 / 35)
Enjoying a swim just upstream from the weir (25 / 35)
Al fresco meals on the island (26 / 35)
Ancient stepping stones (27 / 35)
Canoeing on the river (28 / 35)
Fun on the river at dusk (29 / 35)
Sitting room fireplace (30 / 35)
Sitting room detail (31 / 35)
Fully equipped kitchen overlooking the mill stream (32 / 35)
Fully equipped large family kitchen (33 / 35)
Moulin Joly from the riverside (34 / 35)
Looking downstream towards the ancient stepping stones (35 / 35)
17th Century Water Mill
Le Moulin Joly is a 17th century water mill, one of a huge network of flour mills which flourished in the area in the 19th century and early 20th centuries. It was bought by the present owners in 1989, and has recently been completely restored.
The house is surrounded by 1.5 acres of its own land. In front is a terrace looking up through the trees to the track by which one descends, and at the side there is a bricked terrace with table and chairs overlooking the mill race and the river. At the back, between the mill race and the river, is an island which is partially wooded with a large rough grass area, and which offers shaded places to sit out in during the day and a lovely spot to have an evening meal beside the river.
The property sleeps 8 or 10 maximum if 4 people sleep in the large upper bedroom.
The ground floor comprises:
- A large sitting room with open fireplace,
- A large dining area (the old mill room) with a wood-burning stove and windows overlooking the mill race, and
- A fully equipped kitchen (washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, cooker and double oven).
A wooden open-tread staircase from the sitting room leads to
- Bedroom 1, a large light double bedroom with a double bed. This room has its own en-suite shower and toilet room.
A wooden staircase from the dining room leads to the main body of the first floor. Here you will find
- Bedroom 2, which is a small double bedroom (twin beds),
- The bathroom/toilet (there is a proper bath) and
- Another separate toilet.
- Also on the first floor is bedroom 3, another double bedroom with double bed overlooking the river.
An open-tread staircase leads up to the 2nd floor area:
- A large attic space with beautifully exposed beams – which contains the 4th bedroom which can accommodate up to 4 beds – ideal for children! The bedrooms have electric and/or gas heaters.
The River
The house is situated on the river La Petite Creuse (the smaller of the two rivers which give the region its name). Since there is little or no industry to speak of in the region and the agriculture is small scale, the rivers are clean and unpolluted, particularly La Petite Creuse. This makes it ideal for swimming. There is a weir across the river which was built to divert the water towards the mill-race and the water above the weir affords a lovely uninterrupted stretch of swimming. And although the river reaches depths of 2 meters or more it is shallow beside the weir so one can easily get in or out of the water. For children there is a little pebble beach just on the island where the river is shallower. However, please note that the water can flow fairly fast through the mill stream and as this is unguarded it could be a potential hazard for unattended small children. The river is an endless source of pleasure for young and old – it is ideal for dinghies and canoes. In high summer a few people from the neighbouring hamlet sometimes come down to the river to swim and fishermen sometimes come to fish.
The river is well stocked with fish and fishing is permitted so long as one purchases a licence (available at the Marie). When the mill race was drained a couple of years ago we picked out dozens of fish (including trout and freshwater crayfish).
Wildlife
For lovers of wildlife, the river and indeed the whole area is a haven – kingfishers and dippers are a daily occurrence, coypus and even occasionally otters swim the river, and buzzards hover overhead. In Spring, oxslips, cowslips, and foxgloves abound, and in the wood which adjoins the mill there are bluebells. In autumn the colours are truly spectacular.
Location
The Creuse is one of France's best-kept secrets, one of those areas which seems to have been by-passed by the mass of tourists flocking to the Dordogne, the Lot, and Provence. Situated right in the middle of France, it is about 200 miles directly south of Paris, between the Indre and the Loire to the north, and the Dordogne and the Auvergne to the south. It is an unspoilt rural area of gently undulating hills and deciduous woodland, lakes and unpolluted rivers.
The main town is Gueret, which is about 15 miles to the south of Cheniers. This is a town of some 200,000 inhabitants with a very pretty old centre and all the shops and amenities.
The Moulin Joly is 2 km from the village of Cheniers, in the north of the Creuse, 12 km north west of Bonnat. Cheniers has a butcher and baker, as well as a village shop where you can get most basic provisions, although the best shopping is either in Aigurande (8 miles away) or Gueret or La Souterraine (15 miles away). Cheniers also has 2 cafes and one (simple) restaurant.
Places of Cultural Interest
There are numerous 'chateaux' in the area, the most important being Boussac and Villemonteix, and some offer Son et Lumiere in the Summer. Aubussonis the world centre of tapestry, and there is an important museum there. The Creuse's most famous inhabitant was Georges Sand, and the pretty village of Gargilesse where she stayed is a must, as is her house at Nohant, about 20 miles away. .
There are dozens of old churches, many of them in a poor state of repair (restoration with a capital R has not yet hit the Creuse). And although the Creuse is not a region particularly known for its gastronomy, there are several good restaurants nearby.
Excursions
Because the Creuse is literally in the centre of France, there is no part of the country which is not easily accessible within a day, and a lot of it in less. Paris is a 31/2 hours drive (Euro Disney!), the Dordogne 2 hours away, the Lot 5 hours, Provence 6 hours etc...
Riding, mountain-bike hire, canoeing, and tennis are all available about 5 miles away at the pretty village of La Celle Dunoise on the Grande Creuse.
For those who don't want to swim in the river there are two man-made lakes nearby; at Le Bourg d'Hem 6 miles away and at the Lac de Jouillat 12 miles away. Both have boat hire and tennis, and a small restaurant. Further afield, for the keen water sporter, is the Lac de Vassiviere, one of the most important water-sport centres in France.
Local amenities
Nearest bakery: Cheniers (creuse)
Nearest supermarket: Aigurande (indre)
Nearest market: Aigurande (indre)
Nearest pharmacy: Bonnat (creuse)
Nearest bar: Cheniers (creuse)
Tourist information: Aigurande (indre)
Cheniers on the map
Property 311 –
Nearby place of interest
How to get to The Moulin Joly
By Car:
The house is within a day's drive of all the major French ports. The owners who live in West London use the Eurotunnel to Calais and it is a 7 - 8 hour drive from Calais to the mill. But either Dieppe or Le Havre are equally good. From Paris one takes the motorway as far as Chateauroux and the last 60 kms via Aigurande are on ordinary but quite fast main roads.
By Air:
Ryanair fly daily to Limoges (just over one hour's drive from Moulin Joly), often for very reduced fairs if you book early. Hired cars are available at the airport
Access options
Car Essential
Nearest airport
The nearest serviceable airport is Limoges [LIG]
Stayed here? Add your review >
We spent just over a week at Moulin Joly at the end of September. Although the previously hot summer weather was just on the turn, we had a wonderful stay at this cosy and charming property. The house is very well laid out and comfortable, with plenty of room for visitors to be separate if they wish whilst all being able to sit together if that is preferred. The riverside setting and garden is absolutely stunning. The sound of the millrace and the sight of La Petite Creuse flowing by are lovely, the wildlife (dippers, kingfishers, red squirrels, herons and much more) is plentiful. The river when we visited was mostly shallow enough to paddle across, though we were also able to swim in a slightly deeper area on the one hot day during our visit. Whilst unsuitable for guests with very young children, for older children (and our dog!) there is hours of potential fun paddling about and investigating the creatures in this very clear and clean river. The hosts were extremely helpful and flexible and the house is well equipped with plentiful and high quality kitchen gear, a good washing machine, plenty of seating and many interesting decorative finds from the brocante. We very much hope to visit again. Highly recommendedGuest rating:
We had a wonderful extended family stay at Le Moulin Joly in July August. It is a beautiful rustic old mill with its own dam and river. Wildlife abounds including heron, dippers and coypu. There is so much space both inside and out, to gather as a group or to chill alone. The kitchen has all you need to self cater. The rooms - living and bed are full of interesting antiques. The surrounding area is quite quiet but pleasantly rural. There are a number of lakes nearby for swimming expeditions though the river is also an option for a quick cool off. We visited in summer but this is a place I would love to see across the different seasons.
Guest rating:
We had the most gorgeous escape to Moulin Joly. It is a real retreat from hectic modern day life. You are lulled to sleep by the sounds of running water from this old water mill accompanied by the amazing frog chorus. The first night it felt like we were in the rainforest ! The water mill itself is cool on a hot day and I can imagine very cosy on a cold day. Nicolette and Adam have got everything you can possible need so it is also a very sustainable holiday and no need to buy any plastic tatt. There is an abundance of nature all around... you can spot Kingfishers and Wagtails flying by in the morning whilst we tuck into delicious French bread from Aigurand near by. Our two boys spent hours and hours playing in the Petit Creuse river and didn't even think about screens. It is a truly special place - a very calm and relaxing place to be...you can really imaging the old community milling flour here many years ago and the two original stones are outside the front connect you to it's rich history. We left hoping it would be A Bientot not goodbye.Guest rating:
This is our second visit to this property. This really is the most beautiful spot on earth. We recommend visiting La Celle Dunoise and Nohant and Gargilesse, but nothing beats staying here at the Moulin Joly and paddling about in the river.
Guest rating:
This very quiet and homely house (with your own Kingfisher) is by far the most romantic place I've had the privilege to spend my vacation in over 50 years of holidays in France. For details see other reviews. And by the way there is a very nice housekeeper who is there within the hour in case you need him!
Guest rating:
We are a family of seven,grandparents ,three grandchildren,6 months,6 year old,8 year old and their parents,from dry West Australia. The family enjoyed two weeks in this secluded,delightful,historic watermill,lovingly restored and decorated by discerning owners. We loved the lush surrounds,the nature,and relaxing river sounds.The kids excitedly,dashed around observing ,fishing,exploring.Pop caught a trout and saw an Otter. A Blue Tit attended its nest above our heads at the outdoor eating area where we enjoyed our local fare,and results of the daily Baguete run,the cheeses,salamies and attemps at French Cuisine. Whatever you want to do can be enjoyed in these surrounds.Guest rating:
We enjoyed two wonderful weeks at le Moulin Joly. It really is a beautiful haven and an attractive, well-equipped house full of character and history. The wildlife was wonderful. Dippers and grey wagtails were both nesting outside the mill. During our stay the dippers fledged, and we were able to film the young in the river being fed by their parents, and making their first efforts to catch their own food. We saw a tiny red squirrel in the garden, and we heard but did not see a golden oriole. Although the surrounding area was very pretty, we didn't want to venture far from the house, preferring to relax in the sun or in the shade of the trees in the riverside grounds. We swam in the river above the weir, which was wonderful, and visited the nearby plage at Bourg d'Hem a few times, where swimming in the Creuse was equally wonderful (especially with up to a dozen black kite circling above looking for fish). This was a memorable holiday in a memorable setting.Guest rating:
My wife and I had a wonderful fortnight at the Moulin - truly idyllic. The house is marvellous and the setting a small paradise. Cows, ducks and a kingfisher were among the local residents. The whole region is an oasis of peace and natural beauty. We certainly intend to return! (The following 'date stayed' is inaccurate, since the website only allows single dates as entries...)Guest rating:
As we left here last year we knew that we had found a real treasure in the Moulin Joly. This year we just had to return. I chose to be here on my birthday as I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to be. This year was as perfect as last year...Thank you Nicoline and Adam for allowing others to enjoy this magical place. We'll be back. The Butlers Aug 2013 What can I say about the Moulin Joly that's not been said? It is without doubt the most unspoilt, wonderful place we have ever had the pleasure to stay in....The place is a time-warp, a chance to switch off and chill out. No TV etc, just the rush of water running downstream. Perfect peace. Bliss. The Muirs 2006 We love it indoors and it's teaching us to live with no TV! Instead we cxan go out and enjoy nature and with no TV we can't stay in and watch it in the evening so instead we toast marshmallows outside by the river! We LOVE it here and wish we never had to go. The Butler children Aug 2012Guest rating:
I have been meaning to write to say how utterly delightful we found the Moulin Joly, and what a lovely time we had there. Everything was perfect (including the weather....Thank you both very much, first for making such a sympathetic conversion of the mill, and then for making it available to the rest of us.
Guest rating:
| Property type | Country house (Self-catering) |
| Bathrooms | 2 |
| Bedrooms |
2 double bedroom(s) 1 quad bedroom(s) 1 twin bedroom(s) |
| Occupancy | 10 |
| Suitability | Suitable for children, Unsuitable for wheelchair access, Pets welcomed |
| Linen | Bed Linen and towels can be supplied for an additional cost. All beds are supplied with duvets or blankets and pillows. |
| Kitchen facilities | Dishwasher, Cooker, Ironing facilities, Electric oven, Fridge-Freezer, Washer-dryer |
| Internal facilities | CD player, Hi-fi system, Internet access (broadband), Owner not on site, Wood burning fire or stove, Radio, Electric heaters, Hairdryer, Board Games, Wi-Fi Broadband Internet, Tea/Coffee making facilities |
| External facilities | Garden, Scenic views, Barbecue, No Swimming pool, Private River Fishing, Private River Boating |
| Activities nearby | Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Golf, Horse riding, Mountain biking, Rambling, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Wine tasting |
Changeover day: Saturday
Last updated on: 9th March 2022
| Available | Booked/Unavailable |
|---|
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No tariffs were found for this property. Please enquire with the owner for rental rates for this property
Additional price notes
Out of season and long lets negotiablePayment: A 50% non-refundable deposit, to be paid immediately, confirms the booking. The balance to be paid 8 weeks before rental commences. Please complete and return the booking form and the signed Terms and Conditions (available by clicking on the words 'booking conditions' on the booking form) when making a booking.Electricity/Gas: A standard charge of £30 pw is made for electricity/gas from June to September. Off-season and long lets, charges are made according to the meter.Cleaning: The house will be cleaned after your departure. Cleaning charge is included in the rent. If the cleaning takes longer than 5 hours an additional charge will be made of £13 per extra hour.