A former mill and its outbuildings in the middle of woods
and grounds crossed by a river, 1.5 hours from Paris
and grounds crossed by a river, 1.5 hours from Paris
Sens,
YONNE
burgundy
89100
FR
Location
On the borders of Champagne, at the beginning of Burgundy and just outside the Île-de-France region, Sénonais is an area where fields, woods and hills alternate in a very diverse rural landscape. In this natural region, the property is surrounded by lush, peaceful countryside, yet is on the edge of a lively village of 600 inhabitants, from which the bells of the listed church can be heard. There are two towns with a renowned historical and artistic heritage in the immediate vicinity of the property: Sens is 10 km away and Fontainebleau is 35 km away. Paris can be reached in 1.5 hours via the A5 or A6 motorways, and Paris-Bercy station in 1 hour by rail.
Description
The property is accessed via a private driveway that runs through woods to a gravelled courtyard used as a car park. After going round the outbuildings we come to the main courtyard, where the old mill and outbuildings form a harmonious L-shaped group. The history of the flour mill is attested to by notarial deeds dating back to the 16th century. It has full French ownership rights and a drop height of around 1.50 metres. The paddle wheel was dismantled in the 1950s when the building was converted into a family residence. Built on two levels, the mill has a gabled tiled roof. Its facades are rendered and enhanced with corner quoins and brick bay surrounds. The roofs of the outbuildings, also with tiled gables, are pierced with hanging dormers and dormer windows. Covered in Virginia creeper and adorned with climbing roses, the facades have several varying sized windows, fitted with patio doors and large French-style windows protected by shutters.
The mill
With a total surface area of around 250 m², the building faces three directions - east, west and south.
The ground floor
From the courtyard, the entrance opens onto the utility room. To the left, it opens onto the kitchen, which is light and airy and features a fireplace with a wooden mantle. To the right there is the dining room with its beamed ceiling and stove in an old brick and wood fireplace. It is followed on by a large living room, which is the former grinding room. Bathed in light, it is heated by an imposing third fireplace. A large French window opens onto the garden and surrounding countryside. The ceiling beams used to support the millstones are still visible. The floors are covered in terracotta tiles. A cellar and a service entrance with a toilet complete the level.
The intermediate level
Accessible from the living room, it has a toilet with a washbasin and some storage space.
The first floor
A large landing leads to a corridor on one side that leads to the master bedroom with its bathroom and wardrobe. The bedroom has views of the park and river in three directions. On the other side, the corridor leads to two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom or shower room. The floors are covered in parquet flooring.
The second floor
A straight wooden staircase leads to the former attic space, which has been converted into a bedroom and bathroom. The first, with parquet flooring, has a balcony with a unique view of the surrounding rolling countryside.
The outbuildings
With a floor surface area of approx. 200 m², they face north-south and extend the mill to form an L-shape. On the ground floor, overlooking the courtyard, there is a DIY workshop and a large room with a mezzanine currently used as a garage, shed and machine room. Further on, a glass door opens onto a room that is currently being divided into several areas - living room, bedroom and shower room. The floor is covered in old terracotta tiles. Works are well under way and will be completed shortly. Upstairs, an external staircase leads to a wooden terrace, which in turn leads to a flat under the roof, lit by three skylights. It has a huge living room with an open-plan kitchen, bedroom and shower room. It has parquet flooring throughout.
The grounds and the river
Set in absolute calm, surrounded by greenery, the mill seems to sit on an island of lush vegetation. Covering around 10 hectares, the grounds are made up equally of meadows and woodland. The river flows through the entire length of the site, feeding a natural pool shaded by a weeping willow, before passing under an old stone bridge. Weeping willows, ashes, alders, wild cherries, oaks, liquidambars, magnolias, wisteria, climbing roses and fruit trees stand side by side in a symphony of colours that shimmer with the seasons. Ouessant sheep graze in a meadow. A small pond attracts many local animals. A spring springs up in the woods and flows into the river on the outskirts of the property. A greenhouse and two wooden sheds provide storage for garden tools. A 6 m x 12 m swimming pool and tennis court complete the grounds.
Our opinion
An authentic mill in the heart of a quiet, bucolic park with a river running through it, in a region rich in history, but which is still very dynamic. The rustic, warm atmosphere is ideal for family life and entertaining friends. The mill stands in its island of greenery. It guarantees a gentle way of life that the stream at its foot participates in. Nothing seems to be able to disturb this haven, where you can imagine people bathing in the reservoir or swimming in the pool, others playing tennis or reading in the shade of the large weeping willows. In good condition throughout, the buildings have retained their authenticity and are ideal for any type of family residence, holiday home or guest house.
Reference 775391
| Land registry surface area | 11 ha 6 a 60 ca |
| Main building surface area | 310 m2 |
| Number of bedrooms | 6 |
| Outbuilding surface area | 150 m2 |
| including refurbished area | 90 m2 |
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NB: The above information is not only the result of our visit to the property; it is also based on information provided by the current owner. It is by no means comprehensive or strictly accurate especially where surface areas and construction dates are concerned. We cannot, therefore, be held liable for any misrepresentation.
