Property Description
Le Moulin historical old mill dates back to the 14th century and has played a major part in Vence’s history and heritage over the years. Located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, it’s just 200 metres away from the ramparts of the medieval city - a true haven of peace, yet close to all amenities and tourist attractions of this beautiful region.
Within beautifully landscaped gardens, and with private parking and pool, the villa’s sheltered from view and lulled by the running of water of its fountain, sourced by the adjacent River Lubiane. Le Moulin’s a perfect place to unwind and is ideal for exploring the seaside and mountains of the Alpes Maritimes.
Approximately 500 sq. m in size, and set over 4,500 sq. m of land, Le Moulin’s main house comprises a spectacular double-aspect living/dining room (many original features), large study/TV room, guest WC, spacious kitchen and laundry (original millstones adjacent), four superb bedrooms all with ensuite bath or shower and a huge master bedroom terrace. Passing along a covered walkway (overlooking inner courtyard), independent quarters accommodate a fifth bedroom suite and children’s dormitory, both sharing an ensuite bathroom.
The self-contained duplex apartment (optional) comprises large living/dining/kitchen, two bedrooms, each with en-suite bath or shower room, completing this fascinating property within a unique and peaceful atmosphere (Please note this section includes many steps). All rooms and common areas are equipped with reversible air-conditioning.
The whole property has a maximum occupancy of 18 people (14 in main house, 4 in apartment) and would be ideal for large family gatherings or a group of friends.
Property Features
Living room: spectacular double-aspect room, entered via main front door, with many original features - archways, stone floors, wooden beams and an impressive fireplace for cosy evenings in winter! Ample seating throughout and interesting archway to fishpond.
Study/TV room: with arched ceilings, comfy sofa and armchairs in front of Smart TV (Netflix), writing desk and chair.
Dining area: through archway with original features, fabulous wooden table and chairs for up to 12 - great place to gather to enjoy meals and drinks. Doors to independent WC and GF bedroom.
Kitchen: accessed via steps leading up from dining area, traditional in style, with large breakfast table & chairs for 12, built-in cupboards, great place for breakfast and casual dining. Well -equipped with high quality appliances - oven, two hobs, double sink, microwave, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, coffee machine (Nespresso), toaster and kettle. Door opens to hallway with feature original millstones. Additional dining outside on covered terrace - great for entertaining or why not have a private chef!
Bedrooms: six in main house (plus two in optional apartment), all beautifully furnished and decorated with blend of traditional and modern style.
Four have king beds (160cm wide) or super-king (180cm) and en-suite bath or shower rooms. Principal has large south-facing terrace with views over gardens, furnished with loungers, parasol, table and chairs. Further two bedrooms found in independent quarters, one very large (40 sq. m) furnished with king bed (180cm), two sofas, coffee table and with ensuite bathroom. Finally, children’s dormitory furnished with four single beds (90cm), two armchairs and equipped with TV, gaming and entertainment – an interesting addition for families with children! (please note: this bedroom shares the ensuite bathroom). Both have access to covered terrace, overlooking small courtyard. All bedrooms have ample storage with wardrobes and some with chest of drawers, armchairs, night cabinets and side tables.
Bathrooms: all very stylish, five in main house (plus two in optional apartment), plus one separate W/C. Three come with over-bath showers, one with shower cubicle, all with washbasins (one double), W/C and hairdryer. Two bedrooms in independent quarters share ensuite bathroom with over-bath shower, W/C, washbasin and hairdryer. Ground floor living area has the independent W/C.
Other rooms: Laundry – accessed outside kitchen through hallway, equipped with industrial size washing machine & dryer, cleaning cupboard, extra fridge/freezer, iron and ironing board.
Other accommodation: self-contained, two bedroomed duplex apartment, with open-plan kitchenette/living/dining room, high ceilings and beams, round table and chairs, club chairs around fireplace, writing desk and original feature millstone. One bedroom downstairs has en-suite with over-bath shower, double washbasins, W/C and hairdryer; the other upstairs with separate W/C and further stairs leading to large shower, washbasin & hairdryer. Both furnished with king-size beds (160cm wide).
Outside: surrounded by 4,500 sq. m of landscaped gardens laid to lawns, shrubs, fruit trees, Mediterranean plants and flowers. Main house entrance has comfortable wrought iron armchairs and side tables. Large dining table adjacent has seating for 10; spacious courtyard offers covered barbecue area, summer bar/terrace with magnificent stone dining table and seating for up to 20. Principal bedroom on first floor has private, sunny terrace with fantastic views over garden. Bedrooms in independent quarters have access to covered terrace overlooking small courtyard. Secure private parking available for up to 6 cars.
Swimming pool: saltwater, 15 x 6m in size, ranging from 1 to 3m depths, equipped with two alarms for safety, shower for convenience, can also be heated (by prior request). Two parasols and ten sun loungers available – enough for all!
Internet: Wi-Fi throughout for your devices.
Baby facilities: available upon request - high chair, child safety gate, travel cot baby changing table.
Bed & bathroom linen: included in rental.
Gas & electric: included in rental.
Winter heating: included in rental.
End-of-stay cleaning: priced separately so if staying for more than 1 week you’re not paying in duplicate. It’s 620 Euros for the main house and 205 Euros for the apartment, collected upon reservation.
Taxe de Séjour: usually necessary to pay in France (tourist tax), is calculated based on the number of people in your group and the time of year you stay. Under 18's are exempt. We will advise you of the tax due at the time you make your reservation and how it’s to be paid.
Damage deposit: the owner requests 4,500 Euros made in advance with JDV by way of credit card. This will be refunded to you at the end of your stay, less the replacement cost of any breakages.
Changeover Day: normally Saturday, other days upon request. Minimum 3-night stay for the optional apartment.
Long weekend stays: possible outside of high seasons.
Pets: permitted here upon request - please ask for details.
Smoking: not permitted – sorry.
Supplementary services: upon request - babysitter recommendations; can organise various events such as weddings, corporate meetings and training; can arrange for massages, private chef, and chauffeurs; can provide contact for yachting trips.
Environmental features: recycling bins, thick stone walls limiting need for air conditioning, all rooms equipped with re-fillable recycled plastic water bottles, all shampoo and shower gel bottles re-filled between each stay.
Suitability: please note this property has security cameras outside for your security. Please do let us know if this is an issue.
About the local area
Located in centre of medieval village of Vence with its must-see tourist site, rich in history, traditions and arts, it’s around 2 minutes’ walk to excellent selection of local shops, boulangeries, restaurants and supermarkets. It’s the lesser known neighbour of the famous village of St Paul-de-Vence, and is less touristy, but still buzzing with life. There’s lovely old town too with winding streets and specialist shops like, wine shops, delicatessens, fromageries, patisseries and art galleries.
Local markets are held in main square & old town of Vence. Here you can choose from wonderful displays of olives, cheese, fish, vegetables and flowers.
Nearest airport is Nice international airport which is 30 minutes by car.
Sporting activities in this area are abundant – there is golf, tennis, fishing, canoeing, horse riding, paragliding, water sports and the beach. You are also in very close proximity to the mountains and hills of the Alpes Maritimes region here, which makes walking and cycling very popular.
Selection of fine sandy beaches can be found in 25 minutes’ drive to Antibes. Other beaches, and lovely promenade, can be found close-by at Cagnes-sur-Mer (15km) and also in Nice (30 minutes’ drive) right along Promenade des Anglais.
Ski stations of Greolieres, Valberg, Isola 2000 and Auron are between 1-2 hour’s drive away if you fancy short winter sport’s break. All of ski stations are also ideal for refreshing walking and cycling during hot summer months.
Excellent low-cost bus service from Vence with buses towards St Paul-de-Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer and Nice, and Grasse in other direction. Nearest train station is at Cagnes-sur-Mer and this provides excellent train service along the coast. However, car is recommended.
Sightseeing is endless; nearest places of interest are village & art galleries of St Paul-de-Vence; Old Town of Vence; Matisse Chapel in Vence; nearby medieval town of Haut-de-Cagnes; pretty village of Tourettes-sur-Loup; perched village and views from Gourdon; town and famous perfumeries of Grasse; city, port and “Promenade des Anglais” of Nice; sandy beaches and old town of Antibes; village and glass makers of Biot; take the gorgeous Mimosa route. Ideal period for walking/hiking is from January to early March. From late June head out for day trip to the enchanting lavender fields.
Other entertainment includes the cafes and restaurants in surrounding villages and towns, casinos & nightlife of Cannes, Nice and Monaco, and the peaceful relaxation of the countryside.
