Le Moulin de Fontbouillant, 17270 Montguyon.

The name “Fontbouillant” comes from “bubbling fountain.” This refers to the spring water for which the mill was reputed (the owners still have the right to the spring.)

The mill is a large complex of traditional and charming stone buildings, set at under 1 hour from Bordeaux international airport, and 5 minutes away from market town of Montguyon (shops, schools, doctors...) The caves of the Dordogne nearby, and there are also great excursions to St Emilion (40 mins), Cognac (50 mins) and other sites such as the underground church in Aubeterre, where the BBC series “Merlin” was filmed.

The mill is being converted into a minimum of 8 luxury units, and architect’s plans are available for 12 units. 3 are complete, and finished to the highest standard. Three more are nearing completion. The infrastructure for the ENTIRE complex is already in place, and includes electricity supply, water and drainage.

 

With the first three units complete, plus the main Miller’s House, the Moulin de Fontbouillant has already been successfully run as a holiday destination. Following exhibitions in London and Dublin there was full occupancy in the units for a season of over 5 months. There was formally a restaurant on site, which became not only locally successful, but attracted clients and businesses from Bordeaux.

The fully fenced 20 metre swimming pool, which is heated and has a silico-marble sand coloured finish, was a great attraction!

The accommodation.

At the top of the mill is the former dairy, “La Laiterie”, which has been converted into 3 luxurious units.

 

Unit 1: This has 3 bedrooms. It has a large open-plan living area, with exposed beams and double height feature with a gallery. It has super views over the meadow and stream; with french windows on all sides. This spacious open-plan area includes a fully fitted and equipped kitchen, with a large dining space.

The master suite has a big bedroom, balcony and ensuite bathroom with traditional claw-footed bath. Closet.

There is a further double bedroom, again with an ensuite bathroom and closet. Antique spiral staircase to the third bedroom on the mezzanine.

Solid chestnut flooring throughout, and terra-cotta in the bathrooms. This unit has its own terrace for dining, again with views.

Unit 2: This has 2 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms (one with a multi-jet shower, the other with claw-footed bath.) There is traditional terra-cotta throughout. Godin woodstove.

Large living area and fully fitted and equipped kitchen. Terrace & garden.

Unit 3: A duplex studio apartment, with views over the mill race. There are solid limestone flags downstairs, fitted by master craftsmen. The kitchen is fully fitted and equipped and has granite worktops. Handcrafted stairs to the upper storey, with large bedroom with views. Contemporary bathroom. Closet.

This unit has traditional features such as a stone fireplace and log burner, but also a contemporary feel. The full length windows open onto the mill race, and the French doors onto a patio and garden.

All 3 units are immaculately presented and fully furnished.

The Miller’s House: This is a large property, all on the first floor, with cellars underneath. The cellars have doors and windows onto the garden at the rear, and could be converted. The upper storey needs some work, but is a 3 to 4 bedroomed house, with kitchen and living room with runs the full width of the house. There are fireplaces in every room. The house is very light, as it has large windows both front and back. It looks onto the mill pond at the front, and the gardens at the rear. Perfect peace and quiet, as Fontbouillant is in a charming and romantic setting, with no busy roads!

There are plans in place to convert this large property into two two storey units.

The mill house backs onto a stunning interior courtyard, flanked by more stone buildings. These are arched, and create the effect of cloisters. The buildings include:

The Tannery, which is being converted into 2 superb 2 storey units. Much of this renovation is complete. The first unit has a beautiful stone fireplace and fine staircase, and the restoration shows both the great architectural design + master craftsmanship. This building has been completely re-roofed.

Each unit here is 200m² + +, so the size of a large house. Each one has its own garden, and also the charm of being on an island. This is formed by the original stream + the mill race. Drainage system in place with an industrial sized septic tank. Electrics and water.


The tower

There are further outbuildings and units to develop, including the building that runs the length of the interior gardens, and the buildings between the dairy and the tannery. These are the part of the original mill, cited on the “Carte de Cassini”, a pre-revolution map. One of the main buildings here is the tower, which would make a stunning 3 storey house.

The mill has some lovely features, such as the steps down to the water (wonderful trout fishing), sluices, a fish trap or “pêcherie”, waterfalls, and the bell tower on the top of the miller’s house. Archaeologists have told us that there was probably a mill in Fontbouillant as from Roman times. The water powered the tannery & later the dairy, but it also certainly turned the stones for walnut oil (the stones are still visible on site and all the wheels etc...are still in situ.)

It has a traditional and romantic feel, but the true potential to run as an exclusive holiday complex.

 

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© Colin and Carol Franklin 2011 - owners of Moulin de Fontbouillant - Web Design: Neatsite 0118 931 0832