Le Moulin de la Crouzille

La Prade, Tourtoirac, France

Situated in gardens and grounds of some 12 acres Le Moulin de la Crouzille is a most beautifully and sensitively converted 19th century Mill within sight and sound of the small River Auverzere. Its perfect blend of period riverside charm and character combines with great comfort. For anyone who appreciates rivers, mills, and La France profonde, this is a paradise.

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Overview

Sleeps: 14

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

1 double with en suite bathroom and adjoining children’s bunk room (2 single beds)
1 double with additional single bed with ensuite bathroom
1 double with shared bathroom
1 twin room with shared bathroom
1 twin room with ensuite bathroom
1 single room – with WC and wash basin

Rent per week

£2832 to £6270 per week depending on the season. Saturday to Saturday.

Key features

Mid 19th century converted water mill
12 acres of gardens and grounds
12m x 6m heated outdoor swimming pool
Charming mill / riverside location
River swimming and canoeing

Testimonials

"...the most charming of properties, Le Moulin de la Crouzille is as pretty as it is stylish and comfortable. Situated on its own little river, the Mill is beautifully located to enjoy the many delights of the Dordogne. We adored the area : the fields of sunflowers, the surrounding woodland which provided wonderful walks along ancient limestone tracks, the local night markets where our large party enjoyed suppers at long trestle tables surrounded by locals enjoying many gastronomic delicacies, and dancing afterwards beneath the stars in the village square. The house itself was wonderfully well-equipped with comfortable beds, a large kitchen with everything you could need and lots of different dining possibilities presented on the patios and terraces, or beneath the shady fig tree outside. Le Moulin de la Crouzille is perfectly pitched providing us with a wonderful base to enjoy a special family holiday in a beautiful region of France"

Victoria Hardman and the extended Coode family, Hampshire, Cornwall and Scotland 2022

"...We booked Le Moulin de la Crouzille for a post-pandemic family holiday across the generations. What a stunning house and location it was! Of course the weather helped, but it lived up to (and even exceeded) all expectations. The accommodation was "as it said on the tin" which was great. Everyone was delighted with their rooms and bathrooms, and the kitchen was a great focal point for much of the time. Our favourite place was the terrace outside the kitchen and we had almost every meal there. The lighting there also made it very magical in the evenings "

Sue and Andrew Wingfield Digby, Burford, England 2022

The House and Accommodation

The Kitchen

Base units on the kitchen side contain a full range of cooking equipment with pans above. There is also a double sink, Bosch dishwasher, gas and electric cooker (with 4 burner/rings), a double oven and a hotplate/surface. There is a microwave oven, toaster and cafetiere also a small fridge and a large full height fridge/freezer and ice making machine. Shelves contain an excellent library of cooking books.

One end of the kitchen forms a comfortable seating/relaxing area with two large sofas and an armchair around a coffee table.

The Sitting Room

A comfortable, spacious family room with two sofas, two armchairs and a coffee table. There is also a cards table set up with chairs and a chess set, a separate drinks table and chaise long.  There is a backgammon set and numerous board games including scrabble, trivial pursuit, puzzles and playing cards. There is a wood burning stove within a large traditional fireplace.

The Games Room

A huge room of barn like character with exposed beams, natural stone walls, a concrete floor and  windows for light on both East and West side. There is a large raised wooden mezzanine/stage at the Northern end. The main area of the barn (20m X 10m) lends itself to a wide variety of uses – table tennis, indoor football, indoor cricket, dancing, partying or group exercise of any sort. Should you experience a wet day this is a splendid place for children to let off steam.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Bedroom 1 – the master bedroom

With king size double bed, comfortable sofa, armchair and french windows that open onto a south facing terrace with chairs and a table. It has a en-suite bathroom with twin sinks, a walk in shower, bath and WC.

Bedroom 2 – bunk room

Adjoins to bedroom 1. A children’s bedroom with 2 bunk beds.

Bedroom 3 – twin room

Two single beds (3’ X 6’). Windows open to the garden on the west side. This bedroom shares a bathroom with bedroom 4 and has a bath and full wall mirrors on two sides, WC and wash basin.

Bedroom 4 – Double room

Has a beautiful floral decorated four poster bed. Windows open to the garden on the west side. This bedroom shares a bathroom with bedroom 3 and has a bath and full wall mirrors on two sides, WC and wash basin.

Bedroom 5 – Double room

Double bed (6’6’’ X 5’3”) and separate single bed (6’6” X 3’ 3”). Has Air conditioning. Has an en suite bathroom with a bath and a shower over, wash basin and WC.

Bedroom 6 – single room

Single bed (6’6” X 3’3”) and window to West. Has airconditioning. There is a separate WC and washbasin with small dormer window facing east off the passageway adjoining the bedroom.

Bedroom 7

With two single beds (6’ X 3’). Airconditioning. Window to the West side and small window to the East side with adjoining steps to its en Suite Bathroom with generous old fashioned freestanding bath and hand held shower, wash basin and chaise longue.

NB: all bedrooms have electric fans, hairdryers, heated towel rails, generous fitted cupboard and hanging space.

Garden and Grounds

Le Moulin de la Crouzille is set in 12 acres of gardens and grounds on the banks of the Auvezere River. It is an idyllic mill setting. The buildings stand closest to the old mill leat which separates it from the main river.  This effectively forms a private island which can be reached by means of one of two charming old stone arched bridges, previously the walls of the original working mill. For anyone who appreciates rivers and mills this, within earshot of the sound of running water, is a paradise.

The gardens immediately surrounding the mill buildings are predominantly lawn on varying levels with a variety of climbers, flowering shrubs, fruit and other trees. The gardens give way to meadows and farmland on the Western side and to the river on the Eastern side.

A table and chairs on the small lawn between the pool house and the Mill House, under the shade of a spreading walnut tree, provide another delightful site for eating outside.

Croquet and badminton on the lawns provide options for recreation and gentle exercise. The various different areas of lawn, garden and yard areas also provide a variety of sporting sites for La Boule.

Swimming Pool

Within a convenient 100 m of the mill house is a heated, filtered and alarmed Swimming Pool (measuring 12m X 6m) with steps at the shallow end (1m depth) shelving to 2.4m at the deep end. The secluded pool area is framed by tall hornbeam hedges on two sides and a wall with climbing pears and fruit trees on the other.  There are sunbeds, parasols and a separate seating area with rattan sofas, chairs and cushions. Also a table and chairs for eating poolside. There are a selection of pool toys for children.

Location

Having crossed the small river Auverzere on a quiet, narrow country road within sight of the small village of la Palue, Le Moulin de la Crouzille is reached by its own drive descending towards the river.

This is classic Dordogne country. For beauty, interest and tranquillity its as lovely as you will find anywhere in rural France.

The nearest village of note is Tourtoirac (3kms), a pretty village with a monastery, two small, good and unpretentious restaurants and bars, a charcuterie and an excellent boulangerie.

This is your nearest morning port of call for croissants, French loaf and a delicious choice of tartelettes!

The magnificent Chateau (and gardens) of Hautefort are only 6kms away with a number of restaurants, bars and shops as well as public (and free) all weather tennis courts. Local towns of Excideuil (10kms) and Montignac (20kms) are charming and full of interest. Both have markets and a wider choice of restaurants, shops, supermarkets and local interest.

How to get there

Airports

Bergerac and Limoges airports are just over an hour’s drive away and Bordeaux Airport is two hours. Brive-la- Gaillarde airport is also under an hour.

Train

The nearest TGV stations are at Limoges and Brive-le-Gaillarde.

Things to see and do nearby

Markets

Local produce amid colourful hustle and bustle. Normally in full swing by 8am and finished by lunchtime. Suggest Perigeux (Wednesdays and Saturdays), the capital of The Perigord region, Excideuil (Thursdays), only 6 miles to the North or Montignac (Wednesdays) a beautiful town on The Vezere river to the South.

Brocantes

There is one in St Agnan, a couple in Hautefort and more in Excideuil and Perigeux

Vineyards and Wine

There is plenty of choice but an enjoyable day can be spent around Bergerac visiting the various vineyards and appellations of which there is a wide choice. The best known are Monbazillac and Go Ape!: Thenon. ‘L’Appel de la Foret is a superb outing for all those not vertically challenged and with plenty of energy for a morning or afternoon.  The tree walking set up is only 20 minutes away and caters for anyone over the age of 7.

Local Towns

Excideuil is a charming town with an attractive town square and castle dating back to the 12th Century. Market day is Thursday and an excellent day to visit. Further (55 minutes/36 miles to the South) Sarlat-le-Caneda is a fascinating small town with excellent shopping of all kinds and a wealth of restaurants from Michelin starred to more modest establishments that pride themselves on their cuisine. Good food is taken very seriously in The Dordogne! The beautiful medieval town centre is superbly floodlit at night and well worth a nocturnal visit.

Fishing

Try your luck for roach (quite tasty with enough seasoning!) in the pools around the island adjacent to the mill. There are also brown trout in the river.  There are rods available to use. Guests are asked to replace any lost/broken items from the local supermarkets in Excideuil.

Horse Racing

Wonderful scenic jump course at the impressive Chateau Pompadour. About an hour’s drive. Need to call the tourist office or visit the racecourse site for race days. An entertaining day trip if there is racing on.

Caves

 The recently opened Grottes on the outskirts of Toutoirac are good (3kms) and The Prehistoric caves of Lascaux and les Eyzies (40 minutes/22 miles) and their fascinating paleolithic wall paintings, designated as a world heritage site, are world renowned

Chateaux

You are spoilt for choice with the remarkable Chateau at Hautefort (a world heritage site) and its formal gardens being the closest example. There are plenty of others in the region – three impressive and better known examples being Losse, Castelnaud and Beynac.

Tourist Office

The best local one is in the main street in Excideuil.

Restaurants

There is an extensive choice for all budgets. Truffles and Foie Gras are a speciality in the many good to outstanding restaurants in the region. A recommended selection are contained in The House Information Folder.

Golf

Domaine d’Essendieras, a 9 hole course, is one of the closest, just North of Excideuil and in the grounds of its magnificent Chateau. It also has a tennis court and a good restaurant.

Gardens

three exceptional examples are The Hautefort Chateau Gardens, Erygnac with over 10 ha of sculpted plants, a unique example of Topiary Art in France and L’ImaginaireTerrasson with its Michelin star restaurant, a contemporary garden that has been planted up a hillside overlooking the lovely town of Terrasson. The gardens occupy different terraces up the hillside. Pechamant. Chateau de Tiregand is a pretty Chateau which makes good quality Pecharmant and does tours.  Chateau Monbazillac itself is a fine Chateau which makes good wine and you can tour the Chateau too. For Bordeaux, a little further, you could do no better than explore St Emillion, en route to Bordeaux. Having immersed yourself in viniculture enjoy an excellent lunch/dinner at La Plaisance.

Canoes/Kayaks/Canoeing

Starting upstream at Cherveix Cubas you can canoe downstream to Le Moulin, stop, or continue on all the way to Tourtoirac or further.  The hire company will collect and return you to the start. Alternatively from Montignac along the larger Vezere River

Bicycling/Bike Hire

This is excellent bicycling country and a wonderful way to see and enjoy the local area. Bicycles can be booked on arrival. Details are in The House Information Folder.

Walks/Walking

There are wonderful walks all over the area some starting from Le Moulin itself and a much larger choice locally.

Riding

A nearby livery stable/riding school at Tourtoirac caters for all abilities and is a lovely way to hack through/discover the local countryside.

Local Villages

There are any number of pretty villages in the surrounding area. Tourtoirac, with its most interesting Benedictine Abbey is the closest but there are many others, good examples including Hautefort,also Coulaures and the little villages and Chateaux of Saint-Jory-las-Bloux, Clermont-d-Excideuil and Saint-Germain-des-Pres.

Water skiing and wake boarding

There is a superb wire system with ski jumps on a lake at Rouffiac, just East of Angoise

Additional Information

Arrival welcome and departure: Tenants will be met on arrival by Deborah and will be shown how everything works, both inside and out. She is also contactable by telephone in the event of an emergency of if you have any questions. 

Wifi and Broadband: There is wifi broadband internet access. There is also a printer which can be connected via WiFI or USB cable. There is a telephone for incoming calls only. Mobile phone signal is generally good and the WiFi is very reliable for mobiles too.

Housebook: There is a housebook kept at the Moulin gives further information as appropriate on all aspects relating to the property and surrounding areas.

Additional entertainment: There are a number of English books and a choice of boardgames, chess, backgammon and playing cards for the use and enjoyment of the tenants. 

Music and TV: There is a selection of CD’s below the stereo system in the sitting room. There is a TV in the sitting room with terrestrial channels and Sky. The DVD player with a selection of DVD’s is beneath the TV.

Services included: the garden ground and surrounding land are the responsibility of Keity who may make the occasional appearance to tend and water the garden as required. Grass cutting etc is normally carried out on Saturdays during the period between guests departing and arriving. 

Julia, responsible for pool maintenance, will appear once a week to clean and maintain the pool and check pool alarms.

Optional / additional services available: Deborah, by prio arrangement and agreement, may also provide shopping supplies and carry out extra cleaning, laundry and ironing. 

Provided sufficient notice is given, a part time cook can be found. Her wage will be the responsibility of the tenants and can be ascertained in advance should tenants wish. Celebratory hampers can also be arranged.

Utilities: There is a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and drying racks located in the cave (utility room) beneath the main stone stairs, accessed from outside.

Air conditioning and heating: there are fans and / or air conditioning in all the bedrooms. This is also an all year around property and is centrally heated throughout. Logs for the wood burner can be provided and there is a store of dry wood available in the barn.

Children: there is a travel cot and a high chair.

Car Parking: A generous parking area on the eastern side of the mill adjoins the gardens and river.

Miscellaneous & other: The guests may help themselves to fresh herbs growing in the stone trough outside the kitchen.

Rents
2024
Period (2024) Weekly rate
1st January  – 2nd March £2,500
2nd March – 30th March £2,832
30th March – 29th June £4,125
29th June – 7th September £6,270
7th September – 5th October £4,125
5th October – 21st December £2,832
21st December – January 4th 2025 £4,125
Terms and Conditions

The Booking Process – A deposit of 25% of the rent will be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement, with the 75% balance to be paid 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the tenancy.

Security Deposit – A Booking and Security Deposit of £500 will also be payable to Anglo French Properties Ltd on signing the Rental Agreement. This will secure the booking and will cover (a) the cost of telephone calls made on the landline during the tenancy, (b) the cost of replacing/making good any losses, breakages and/or damages incurred during the rental, and (c) any exceptional cleaning work which may be required at the end of the tenancy. It will be refunded (less any deductions as outlined above) within 4 weeks of the conclusion of the tenancy. Tenants should advise Anglo French Properties Ltd at the end of each rental of any breakages, losses and/or damages. This is in lieu of an inventory. The housekeeper will also check and advise of any damage/loss.

Minimum stay: Unless otherwise agreed, all rentals will be for a minimum of one week and will begin and end on a Saturday.

Arrival Time & Departure times: Tenants should arrive as soon as possible after 4pm on the commencement day. They will be welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the property and shown how everything works. Tenants should leave by 10am on the agreed day of departure.

Number of People: Unless otherwise agreed, there should not be more than 14 people (plus babies) staying in the property at any one time.

Security: The owners’ insurance policy requires that all doors are locked, and that all windows and shutters are closed when tenants are away from the property.

Energy costs are included: The energy costs are included in the rental price.

Heating costs are included: The heating costs are included in the rental price. 

Linen and towels: Linen and towels, and the cleaning of the linen and towels are included in the rental price. These will be changed on a weekly basis.

Pets: No Pets

Smoking allowed: No smoking allowed inside the property. Caution should be taken when smoking outside during the summer months as the risk of fire can be extremely high.

Internet access: yes, included in the rental price. 

Optional / additional services available: any additional services, if available, (eg extra cleaning or cooking) will be agreed in advance at a pre-agreed rate per hour. These costs will be the sole responsibility of the tenant.

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