House in Rives D'andaine, Normandie

Mill house with private wood

Mill house with private wood

Photo gallery for Mill house with private wood

view from road side
view from the woods
View from road
sitting room
Interior

Overview of Mill house with private wood

9.4 out of 10 Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4120 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen
  • Barbecue grillBarbecue grillBarbecue grill
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • Outdoor spaceOutdoor spaceOutdoor space

Explore the area

Rives D'andaine, Normandie
  • Popular LocationFerme du cheval de trait5 min drive
  • Popular LocationBagnoles de l'Orne Casino8 min drive
  • Popular LocationBagnoles de L'Orne en Normandie Golf Club8 min drive
  • AirportCaen (CFR-Carpiquet)91 min drive

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Mill house with private wood

This striking mill house (dating back to the mid 19th century) had stood empty for 60 years. It has now been renovated to a very high standard but still retains all the character you would image for such an old, interesting and historic building. It has two double bedrooms each with their own staircases and bathrooms. It's almost a house of two half's, yet quirky, it's well insulated, double glazed, spacious but cozy and has all the benefits of modern life whilst retaining a feel of a 'rosier' bygone time.
The house stands in two and a half acres of private woodland and is bordered by a stream to one side and and apple orchard to the other. Wildlife is in abundance from kingfishers, buzzards and woodpeckers to deer, squirrels and tiny lizards. In spring the woods are full of bluebells, but each season brings its own delight for you to explore.
An impressive house of four floors, it's known locally as the little manor house. Also known as the 'haunted' house but as I have yet to see an apparition we assume this is either just local legend or that the spirits are content!
As you arrive there is a gated parking area with space for at least 2 cars. On this level there are two large cellars. The cellar to the left is now a wood store, laundry room and downstairs toilet. There is also a staircase leading to the kitchen on the first floor.
In the cellar to the right we store garden equipment. But more interestingly , under the stairs, which also lead to the first floor, there is a wine cellar.
From the parking area you climb the few steps (there is also a ramp) which lead to the front door and directly to the first floor.
On entering you find yourself in a long corridor with the door to the left leading to the sitting room. The staircase rising to the first bedroom and bathroom or straight on into the kitchen.
The sitting room has a fabulous log burning stove (electric heating is also available in all rooms) which is guaranteed to keep you warm even on the coldest winter nights. The furniture is clean and comfortable and the house has a quirky regency style featuring cut glass chandeliers, books and ornaments. there are some other slightly more 'emporium' artifacts, which I will leave for you to discover yourself.

The kitchen is both old and modern. The log burning range is wonderful in winter months but the modern inset electric oven and gas hob more practical for other times of the year. There is a dishwasher, fridge, kettle, toaster and coffee maker and sufficient kitchen paraphernalia to keep most cooks happy. The dining table and chairs seat four very comfortably.

From the kitchen another flight of stairs leads to the second bedroom and bathroom.

Bedroom one is an exceptionally nice room. It has a three windowed aspect with wonderful views over the stream to one side, orchard to the back and the lane which passes the house to the front. Fantastic in the summer with windows open and lacy curtains blowing in the breeze, or warm and cosy in the winter with the feature fireplace twinkling (you'll love it or hate it but you don't have to turn it on).

The double bed is new and very comfortable. Breakfast in bed and a good book an absolute must.

The bathroom is just next door and is a treat. It has a loo, good big bath and overhead shower. The basin is peculiarly set into the old marble fire surround.

The second bedroom is accessed by a second staircase leading from the kitchen. It is a smaller room set in the eaves. It has a large velux window and two single beds. Again the mattresses are new and very comfortable.. The bathroom opposite has a full size bath with over head shower and a rather intriguing basin set into an old sewing machine base. Sometimes after a hike or a bicycle trip, you can't beat a long soak.

It's a quaint little house with a labyrinth of stairs and corridors. Ideal for two couples or perhaps a family with slightly older children.

One of the great joys of this house is its position., away from it all and yet not isolated. The nearest town is La Chapelle d'Andaine. Its a quick 2mins in the car, or you could easily cycle or walk. It is not a tourist destination but a typical French town where people live and work. It has two banks; two boulangeries, a butcher; cafe/bar hotel and restaurant, La Poste, medical center with doctors and dentist. and a super market.

Five minutes in the opposite direction you find yourself in the spa town of Bagnoles de L'Orne. This is a gem for tourists. A large choice of restaurants, casino, cafe bars and terraces. Activities throughout the summer months which include street theater, live music, firework displays and much ,much more.

Le Pré du Moulin is an excellent base for anyone who enjoys country living. Walkers can explore the paths and tracks which start from right outside the house. Cyclist can enjoy the quiet country lanes. The area is steeped in history for the history buff and there are many gorgeous yet often little known grand houses and castles to visit in the area.









Property manager

Jennifer Stocks
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English, French
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill
Fireplace

House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Flexible check-out available (contact host to arrange)

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Great place to play but under supervision obviousl

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
Only well behaved ones and no squirrel chasing.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please smoke outside

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

La Chapelle d'Audaine

Located in Rives 'Andaine, this holiday home is in a rural area. Firefighters Museum and Royer Josselin - Cider Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Castle Lassay and Bois Thibault Castle. Travelling with kids? Consider Ferme du cheval de trait and Office de Tourisme du Pays de Mayenne. Sailing and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hunting nearby.

What's nearby

  • Ferme du cheval de trait - 5 min drive
  • Bagnoles de l'Orne Casino - 8 min drive
  • Bagnoles de L'Orne en Normandie Golf Club - 8 min drive
  • Le Bois Parcours Nature - 9 min drive
  • Firefighters Museum - 9 min drive

Getting around

  • Flers Station - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • Bistrot Gourmand - 9 min drive
  • Hôtel Spa du Béryl - 8 min drive
  • Restaurant la Terrasse - 8 min drive
  • Le Rollon - 8 min drive
  • McDonald's - 12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Mill house with private wood pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Where is Mill house with private wood located?

This family-friendly Rives 'Andaine holiday home is located in a rural location, within 3 mi (5 km) of Normandie-Maine Regional Natural Park and Ferme du cheval de trait. Le Bois Parcours Nature and Bagnoles de L'Orne en Normandie Golf Club are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 49 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.4/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Richard B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well Equipped holiday rental
The property contains everything you need for a holiday. The local supermarket and boulanger can provide all you are likely to need and the local cave has a superb calvados liqueur. It would suit walkers and cyclists with adjacent tracks otherwise a car is essential. The woodlands around the property contain many bird species but would benefit from much more of it to be made accessible. This is an old property so do not expect it to be spotlessly clean. It would benefit from a manual to some of the equipment.(We only found the washing machine in the cellar on our last day and the TV is temperamental) Overall we enjoyed our stay and it is close to the Spar town of Bagnoles with many good shops and restaurants.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

andrew W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful quiet remote holiday home!
So quiet and tucked out of the way. Lovely garden to explore. Character quirky home with especially lovely kitchen / dining room. 1 mile walk to bakery and short drive from everything else! Birdsong every day in the garden! If you don’t mind driving it’s a great quiet place - we loved it! The quietness was exactly what we wanted!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a lovely place
A great place to be - just on the outskirts of a classic French village with a supermarket nearby and an excellent boulangerie. Peaceful, warm, well kept and with an extremely well equipped kitchen. In all, just a really nice place, easy to get into. Would say the mattress in the main room could do with replacing - this one is just starting to sag in the middle, but otherwise, I have no negative comments at all. A great welcome pack when we arrived, too, with a bottle of Pommeau and various other bits. A lot of attention to detail in the finishing of the building. Great.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Ingenious house in a wilderness wood
We were very impressed by this clever conversion of two quite plain houses into a well designed and characterful place. Everything worked, and everything looked good, if slightly quirky. We did wonder if the encouragement of wild life in the garden might have gone a little too far, as the bushes and trees had grown excessively in places.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

bugsybielby

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quite serene
The house was all I wanted it to be. Not too orderly not too square and modern. We both loved it. The location was superb, which is always a bonus. Lots of pleasant towns and a city or two. I didn’t want to use the car too much being on the road a lot for work so just to relax and enjoy the house was ideal and I’d think nothing of booking the property again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer Stocks

Host profile image
I have been living in France for 25 years and France is now my home. I love where I live and even more, love to share it with visitors to the area. I think I know every little village and country lane but even now after a quarter of a century' just now and then, either I will pass somewhere or someone will say," Have you seen such and such" and I'll think well, I didn't know that was there!
Its like that here, hidden treasures just around the corner.
I love country life (more rustic than refined); I'm fascinated by architecture (old and new); if it grows it's great (except docks and bindweed); if it squawks, meows, neighs or woofs, I've probably got one; and I'm a hundred times happier in wellies than high heels.

Why they chose this property

I've been driving passed this house for a couple decades and could never understand why it was abandoned. It's one of those houses that 's sort of mysterious, maybe a bit sad, but definitely has a strong, if strange, attraction.
We started work on it last year and and with no exaggeration, was stunned at the reaction of the locals. So many people stopped to say how delighted they were to see the old place live again and even the older residents said they couldn't remember anyone living there.
Its undergone a massive rejuvenation and just peeling back 60 years of vegetation revealed a stunning and surprisingly well preserved building. Now with its new roof and all, its been returned to the grandeur and elegance it deserved.

What makes this property unique

Situated in a small valley with its own babbling brook. The ancient woodland with huge Oaks and Ash trees. The bluebells and ferns and all the creatures that live there, remind me of 'Swallows and Amazons' or perhaps'Tales from the River Bank'.
It's a truly magical place for all ages.

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

Premier Host
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