Converted Watermill for holiday rentals in Foix, Ariege, Midi-Pyrenees
Converted Watermill
Woodland Location Bordered by River
Sleeps 10 (4 Bedrooms)
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Le Moulin de Balança is a beautiful old watermill that sleeps 8/10 people, situated in the Ariege region of the Pyrenees. Le Moulin de Balança – ‘The Mill of Balanca’ dates from the mid 1600’s and was the grain mill for most of the local farms until about 30 years ago. After a period as a residential house it has now been converted into a holiday lodge. Set in over 9000 m2 of it’s own private riverside grounds this is the perfect place to find the peace and quiet to relax and get away from it all. With many of its original features preserved, such as chestnut board flooring, original exposed beams and an old bread oven the mill has been tastefully restored and furnished to provide comfort whilst retaining its rustic charm. The mountain stream that originally powered the mill loops through the woodland and gardens providing about 500m of riverfront, so you are never far from the relaxing sound of flowing water.
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Prices Currency Conversion
| Rental periods | Price per week | Price for 3 night stay |
| 4 October - 20 December 2008 | £350 | £180 |
| 20 December 2008 - 3 January 2009 | £600 | N/A |
| 3 January - 28 March 2009 | £350 | £180 |
| 28 March - 4 July 2009 | £550 | £260 |
| 4 July - 5 September 2009 | £675 | N/A |
| 5 September - 3 October 2009 | £550 | £260 |
| 3 October - 19 December 2009 | £350 | £180 |
| 19 December 2009 - 2 January 2010 | £600 | N/A |
Notes on prices
Prices are for the property per week in UK Pounds.
Discounts are available for longer lettings.
Changeover day
Occupancy from 4pm first Saturday of booking to 10am last Saturday of booking. Please ask us about more flexible booking arrangements which we may be able to manage outside our peak season.
Accommodation
| Bedrooms: | Bedroom 1 - spacious King size bedroom (cot also provided). Bedroom 2 - large Double bedroom. Bedroom 3 - downstairs bedroom with a double and a single bed. Bedroom 4 - twin beds. |
| Bathrooms: | Downstairs we have a shower room and separate wc. The main upstairs bedroom is newly fitted and has bath, shower, vanity unit and wc. There is a washing machine in the downstairs shower room. |
| Kitchen: | The kitchen fills one end of the large main living area and provides all mod cons: oven, 4 ring gas hob, fridge with small freezer compartment, dishwasher, microwave, kettle and toaster. In addition there is a wonderful wood-fired stove for winter warmth. |
| Living Rooms: | The main living space is open plan with antique chestnut parquet flooring. The lounge area is fully equipped with video, DVD, stereo CD and comfortable sofas. There is also a double futon, which may be used as additional sleeping space if needed. |
| Cleaning/towels/ linen/maid service: |
The mill will be cleaned prior to your arrival. We provide one set of bedlinen per week of your stay (linen for additional weeks will be left out for you). A large towel and hand towel will also be provided (these are only for use in the mill). |
Notes on accommodation
Our downstairs bedroom is particularly suited to the less mobile as it is next to the wc and showerroom. The upstairs twin bedroom is perfect for children!
- hob/stove,
- oven,
- fridge/freezer,
- microwave,
- dishwasher,
- washing machine,
- iron/ironing board,
- tv,
- central heating,
- cot,
- high chair,
- barbecue,
- pets accepted
Outside
Our private stretch of shady woodland is bordered by a small river and has been left natural for you to enjoy at your leisure.
A path leads from the edge of the property upriver into the mountains, connecting with various walking trails.
The garden area and new sun-deck (which is a lovely suntrap) provides space for sitting out and relaxing by the river. There is ample room to have a BBQ.
Next to the mill is an old barn that provides covered storage for bicycles, canoes and other equipment you may bring to the mill. There is also a large parking area sufficient for many cars, and a covered carport with space for 2 cars.
We have 4 mountain bikes (2 male, 2 female) available for you to hire during your stay at a rate of 25 Euro per bike per week. Please let us know in advance if you would like to rent these.
Please note that children should of course be supervised around water.
Coast/Beach
If you’d like to see the sea, then a wonderful 2 hour drive across the mountains will take you to Narbonne or Perpignan and the Mediterranean Sea. If surfing is your thing, Biarritz and Bayonne can also be reached on the Atlantic coast (3 hours motorway drive).
Skiing
During the winter months, the mill is highly recommended as a ski chalet. The nearest cross country ski area of La Tour Lafont is a mere 15 minutes drive away and the wide variety of both downhill and cross country skiing available in the Pyrenees and Andorra is all within 40 minutes to 1.5 hours drive.
Travel
You can fly to Toulouse airport with Easyjet, BA, Air France, BMIBaby and Buzz from all major UK airports. Ryan Air has regular flights from Stansted Airport to Carcassonne (some good bargains are available on this route). From either of these airports it takes just over an hour to reach Le Moulin de Balança by car. All the major car rental agencies can be found at both Toulouse and Carcassonne airports.
Distances
Whilst Le Moulin de Balança is situated in a peaceful valley we are fortunate enough to have all the amenities you need to enjoy your holiday within a close distance.
Boulangerie: 2-3 mins in the car or a pleasant 15 minute walk (1.5km).
Swimming pool: Serres sur Arget community swimming pool is open during mid-summer and is less than 10 minutes walk from the mill.
Small supermarket: About 5 mins by car (St Pierre de Riviere).
Restaurant: About 5 mins by car (St Pierre de Riviere).
Further details
There is plenty to keep you busy during your stay: Sightseeing, markets, local cuisine, hiking, cycling, fishing, paragliding – there is something for everyone. Most of all though the peaceful, friendly nature of the region will truly help you to relax and forget the stresses of modern life!
The Castle of Foix, with its three magnificent fortified towers was the seat of the counts of Foix from 1012. The castle is well worth a visit, in particular for the spectacular views from the tower.
The painted caves of the Pyrennes containing evidence of prehistoric civilizations are found in the area. These include Grotte de Niaux, Grotte de la Vache, Grotte de Bédeilhac and le Mas d’Azil.
The region features several medieval towns (or ‘bastides’) such as the famous Mirepoix, La Bastide de Serou, Le Mas d’Azil and Léran.
The Val de Barguillere is accessible easily from quiet country lanes and numerous footpaths. Worth particular mention is the 3 to 4 day hike around the valley, the “GR tour de pays de La Barguillère”. Of course you don’t have to do the whole walk – a one day hike up the Picou mountain (a noted peak which you can see from the valley floor) is very rewarding on a clear day.
Le Moulin de Balança is an ideal base from which to further explore the Pyrenean mountains to view the magnificent peaks surrounding the area.
The region is of course also famous for its thermal spas, which could provide some welcome relaxation after all that activity! The spa town of Ax-les-Thermes for example is just a 45 minute drive into the mountains.
The spectacular fortress city of Carcassonne is about a one hour drive to the east and the city of Toulouse is well worth a visit (the shopping is particularly good). For duty free shopping, you may wish to visit Andorra – also about a 1 hour drive.
Booking notes
We request a 10% deposit to secure your booking, with the full balance payable 8 weeks before your holiday.
A 150 pound damage deposit will be taken, which will of course be refunded in full when you leave the property as you found it.
3 night short breaks may be available mid and low season, subject to availability.
Winter heating £60 per week.
Guest comments
‘We wanted to say what a wonderful time we had at Le Moulin de Balanca. We thoroughly enjoyed the peace and solitude of the property and surrounding area and felt that we had really 'got away from it all'. ....breathtakingly beautiful scenery! lovely to breathe in nice fresh air!’ - (Sandra and John, April 2006)
‘Just arrived home after a wonderful holiday. The accommodation was excellent and we were very comfortable’ - (Steve and Janet, August 2006)
‘Thanks for letting us use your fantastic mill in October 2006.....the serenity, the peace just sitting next to the rambling river that passes by the mill relaxed us all. Inside the mill our every need was met, it was warm and comfortable. So comfortable in fact that we spent every evening enjoying home cooked food we purchased from Foix market and the excellent supermarket close by... drinking fine wine round that big table in the kitchen just made it all perfect. We had some wonderful walks and trips’
For booking and further information
Andy and Andrea Craze
Tel: (UK) + 44 (0)1844 215316
Mobile: (UK) + 44 (0)7967 471684
Email: Click here
Owners Website: Click here
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This advertiser joined Owners Direct in November 2005,
and has advertised this property with us since November 2005.
Property Ref FR822
When contacting the owner please mention that you saw this property on Owners Direct Website.