Idyllic Private Island Watermill Paradise - Roquebrune

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.4

Exceptional

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8220 sq m

Popular amenities

Hot tub

Barbecue grill

Washer

Pool

Pet-friendly

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Roquebrune, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Duras Castle16 min drive
Chateau des Vigiers Golf Course37 min drive
Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church43 min drive
Libourne (XLR)56 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Balcony

Separate dining area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Idyllic Island Watermill: Air Con; Hot Tub, Boat: Canoe; Kayak; Table Tennis etc

Beautiful historic 12th century fortified watermill, set on its own private island with 4 other islands belonging to it. 3ha total. The river runs underneath it in 3 places. The largest island, accessed easily by bridges, houses many little paths that meander around; On the largest island can be found the 7mx13m pool - exclusive to the watermill- with its designer grey stone tiles and white stone surrounds, bar area and poolside fridge; outdoor riverside kichen with covered dining area ; large grass play area with a tennis net & football goal ; a small short tennis/ mini badminton area poolside; table tennis; 2 canoes; 1 kayak; 1 fishing boat; fishing rod; 6-7 man hot tub ; table tennis etc. Beautiful property, very private grounds. There are sounds of the 2 waterfalls there - from a large, suspended cantilevered balcony over the river with another waterfall over the little canal that passes through the property. The river runs under the house in 3 places in an authentic, original ground floor. Living accommodation is on the first floor only, accessed by a very modern floating staircase. Inside can be found 4 double bedrooms, the master bedroom of which has 1 en-suite with jacuzzi bath and small private balcony ; 2 bedrooms share a Jack'n'Jill shower room. There is also a wetvroom. Whilst marvellous for children there, it is not recommended for under 4's. Lifejackets are provided for the boat & canoes. It is a paradise for wild life, with herons; kingfishers; ducks; cormorants; fish; red squirrels; coypu etc in abundance. You may indeed be wolf whistled at by the beautifully coloured golden orioles ( rare in the UK) that nest in the canopy on the largest island each year. It is a location to be truly enjoyed, to rest & re-charge your batteries or to have as energetic holiday as you wish, with something for everyone. 2 x big portable air conditioning units to place where you choose.The first floor only accommodation unfortunately makes it unsuitable for the physically challenged who cannoit manage stairs. Strictly Saturday changeovers. Cleaning will be done with fluid containing a minimum of 60% alcohol, by a private firm specialising in 'Covid Cleanng' prior to your entrance to the property.

Property manager

Rita Thomas

Languages

English, French

Amenities

Pool

Hot tub

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

Outdoor space

Pool

Kitchen

Washer

Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 2:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check in and check out MUST be on a Saturday during July and August

Important information

You need to know

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

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

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

About the area

Roquebrune

This holiday home is located in Roquebrune. Duras Castle and Maison des Gens de Garonne are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Filhole Park and Lac de l'Escourou. Take the opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as fishing.

Roquebrune, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

Chateau Les Arqueys - 10 min drive
Duras Castle - 16 min drive
Chateau des Vigiers Golf Course - 37 min drive
Chateau de Montaigne - 41 min drive
Saint-Emilion Monolithic Church - 43 min drive

Getting around

La Réole Station - 11 min drive
Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne) - 54 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
‪L'Echoppe - ‬11 min drive
‪Aux Fontaines - ‬11 min drive
‪Base Nautique - ‬17 min drive
‪Café des Sports - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Idyllic Island Watermill: Air Con; Hot Tub, Boat: Canoe; Kayak; Table Tennis etc pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Idyllic Island Watermill: Air Con; Hot Tub, Boat: Canoe; Kayak; Table Tennis etc?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Idyllic Island Watermill: Air Con; Hot Tub, Boat: Canoe; Kayak; Table Tennis etc?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Idyllic Island Watermill: Air Con; Hot Tub, Boat: Canoe; Kayak; Table Tennis etc located?

Situated in Roquebrune, this holiday home is 8.4 mi (13.5 km) from Maison Guinguet and 9.3 mi (14.9 km) from Duras Castle. Maison des Gens de Garonne and Filhole Park are also within 16 miles (25 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

7.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Angélique A.

6 Sept 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Extraordinaire

Une expérience incroyable dans un cadre atypique qui nous a tous bluffé. On se sent tout de suite ailleurs dans un endroit hors du temps et qui, à ma connaissance n'a pas d'équivalent. La piscine est magnifique et immense (16 m de long). Un vrai retour à la nature dans un cadre calme et reposant. Mention spéciale pour Rita et sa gentillesse qui nous a accueilli avec un bouquet de fleurs et un panier garni de petites attentions avec même des bouteilles de vin. Nous y sommes allés pour fêter nos 30 ans de mariage avec nos 3 enfants et leurs conjoints. Nous nous en souviendrons très longtemps tellement c'était bien

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Célia D.

5 Oct 2020

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superbe séjour au moulin

Agréable propriété. Il ne manque de rien. Tout est parfait. La propriétaire est disponible, arrangeante et réactive. Nous avons passé un merveilleux séjour au moulin. Merci à elle.

10/10 Excellent

Julien B.

24 Sept 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Envie de changer d'air ?

Un domaine magnifique, une demeure pleine de charme. Allez faire un tour à la boulangerie de Monségur. Si vous avez envie de décompresser, n'hésitez pas! Merci Rita pour votre accueil. Cdt. Julien.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

Peter B.

3 Sept 2019

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unique experience

Excellent holiday in bohemian and charming old watermill. Unique holiday. Excellent pool, lots of fun for children and dogs without leaving the rental. Owner very helpful and friendly. Lots to do in local area and lovely food in nearby towns of la reole and marmande. Would recommend it.

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

cyril M., menton

15 Aug 2019

Liked: Communication, location

Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice place but...

Nice place, good location and helpful host. The house was very quiet, surrounded by the lake with a big forest land. Unfortunately the place was not clean and the furniture not at the standard of the rental cost.

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

7 June 2019

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing property

This property is unique. Surrounded by water and wildlife.So peaceful that one doesn’t need to venture out at all.

8/10 Good

Catherine P.

5 Sept 2018

Quiet rural retreat in a beautiful woodland setting

The Mill is set is a quiet hamlet 5km outside of Mon Ségur and is a perfect base from which to explore the beautiful rolling countryside of the Duras region. We enjoyed visiting the wonderful local markets and touring some of the regions many vineyards. We were equally happy to stay at home and relax by the beautiful pool which is set in the woodland with the river running alongside. Our children loved messing about on the river in kayaks and trying their hand at fishing and a highlight for the whole family was the evening ritual of the starlings coming home to roost. Rita, our host, was very accommodating and made us feel very welcome.

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dejan V., Godalming, Surrey

23 Sept 2017

The magical Watermill

A magical home to base your stay in this beautiful region. A wonderful place to really rest and get away from it all but also close enough to drive to any amenities (shops and food markets at Monsegur or La Reole) and even the sea side of Bassin d'Arcachon which is just over an hour drive is realistic. Took the canoe up stream for a few kilometres and spotted herons one day too. At 7pm without fail the dance of the starlings over the property begins with a beautiful display of thousands of starlings flying and singing in unison occurs...amazing sight. We loved every minute and will be coming back.

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

4 Sept 2017

Propriété magnifique

Le descriptif et les photos sont bien représentatifs du lieu : le moulin est très beau, l'île privée est magnifique ; les équipements (piscine, jacuzzi, barbecue, table de ping-pong, ...) permettent de passer des vacances parfaites pour toute la famille.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carol B.

27 Aug 2017

Beautiful and unique location

The watermill is a wonderful location, perfect for a family holiday. There is so much to do, exploring the woods, rowing along the river, swimming in the pool. The accommodation was excellent and the owners very welcoming and attentive to our queries. A perfect week in an excellent spot.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Mark C.

23 Aug 2017

Secluded Mill House

The Mill House is a fabulous retreat in southern Bordeaux wine country. We did have a really good family escape... The property has a magic to it, secluded, on its own small island of 3 or so acres (?) You do not feel looked upon, you can play your music with gusto without the danger of disturbing people! BUT the truth is that it is tired and some what run down. It would benefit from a huge injection of capital where upon its would take on a different feel again... and these comments are not meant as any thing other that positive comment. We had fun.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Victoria R.

13 Aug 2017

Unique holiday bolthole

This property is in a stunning location and has been beautifully renovated. The situation is very rural which makes for a restful and natural environment. The property contains all that is required for a holiday away with family and holds plenty of surprises when adventuring around the islands. The owner is easy to contact and offers help whenever necessary.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Gregor D.

15 July 2017

Fantastic house and garden

We spent a week at the watermill and had a fantastic time. The house and pool were great and the extensive gardens a paradise for a 5 year old to explore. The owners were very quick to respond to any questions and we hope to return soon. Highly recommended and a great base for wine tasting.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Helen C.

19 Sept 2016

Fantastic, peaceful location

Upon arrival at the property, we could scarcely believe that it was all 'ours' - a beautiful old watermill set by a river with a complex of small islands - very private and secluded. The facilities are excellent - a hot tub, swimming pool, large balcony overlooking the river, a boat & canoes, tennis court, badminton court, woods..! There is so much to do without actually leaving the property. The house itself is really well designed inside, very spacious with two lovely bathrooms and a very well equipped kitchen, and we ate all of our meals sitting on the balcony, listening to the sound of birds and the waterfall. The dog loved it as once you close the main gate, there is no way off the islands except by water, so he was able to roam around off the lead, and we enjoyed strolling through the woods with him on his morning walk. I thoroughly recommend this property - Rita is always helpful and friendly - we liked it so much that we booked to stay there again next year almost as soon as we got home! I also recommend the Windmill that Rita also owns, available on this site - we have stayed there twice before and loved it so much it was a struggle to decide which property to go for next year!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Adrian R.

18 Sept 2016

A wonderfully beautiful and relaxing stay

Our stay at the Mill was a truly wonderful experience. We had been searching for a quiet retreat in the area for a few weeks and had the good fortune to find the Mill was available. Rita and Marie-Clare's description of the Mill was amazing and it was a description well-deserved! The Mill did not disappoint in any way. It proved the perfect place to relax for both of us, plus our dog, who loved exploring the grounds! The Mill has some truly amazing features. The large open sitting room area, leading out on to the balcony overlooking the water is beautiful. We spent many a morning and evening sitting out on the balcony enjoying some of the wonderful local wine from the region. We also enjoyed spending time in the very large swimming pool every day of our stay - which provided a very refreshing respite on some of the very hot days out! There are many wonderful local places to explore, and despite the Mill being a wonderfully private space, we never felt we were far away from anything. We spent many of the days during our two weeks visiting some of the local villages and towns as well as going further afield, including to the coast at Arcachon. The Mill had absolutely everything we needed for our stay, right down to the ingredients for a nice meal on our first evening! The welcome basket provided by Rita was a lovely touch, right down to the dog treats, which didn't last long ;-). All in all, it was a wonderful stay for us and I would happily recommend the Mill to anyone. Thank you for a lovely experience, and I hope that we can visit again soon in the future.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mathieu S.

26 Aug 2016

Endroit magique

Superbe endroit de vacance, pour ceux qui aime le calme, le dépaysement, la tranquillité. Les propriétaires sont très à l'écoute, et disponible. l'emplacement de la maison, permet l'accès à plusieurs villes et villages "marchés- châteaux - domaine viticoles-monuments etc...." sans trop faire de kilomètres. Le lieu en lui même est indescriptible, il faut y aller pour comprendre l'apaisement qu'il apporte. En espérant y retourner peut être, merci aux propriétaires d'avoir redonnés vie à ce vieux moulin français.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

8 Aug 2016

Absolutely magical place - we will be back!

Found this self catering rental when looking for something suitable within a couple of hours flight time for my family of 6. We had pretty high expectations from the advert and was a little nervous when we arrived to see if it lived up to our expectations.....it did and more. The mill is charming, rustic and has fantastic facilities. We were met by a very committed and enthusiastic Rita who showed us around even though we'd arrived after 11PM! She left us some lovely produce to get us in the mood for our holiday. We had a 4 year old with us so had pre-programmed her with some very clear rules around some of the dangers outiside the mill and coupled with close supervision she followed these and as a result had a brilliant, safe experience despite Rita quite rightly mentioning in her advert that it could be dangerous for under 5's. The house is great, the island is magical, the pool and hot-tub were fantastic, the river boat was great fun and the outdoor tennis/badminton etc were all good fun. When we offered up activities away from the house several times......the kids didn't want to leave, that is unusual for our brood and gives a clear indication about how much they enjoyed their stay. We also had a theme of animals over our holiday with some moorhen chicks being saved from the weir, 2 young pigeons recovered using the canoe from the water beside the house and a herd of cows appearing outside! All adding to the memories we took home All in all we can thoroughly recommend this place, don't expect 5 star hotel accommodation standard, this is a 900 year old mill after all but if you go in looking for a great family holiday venue I hope you have as great a time as we did.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lionel T., london

11 May 2016

One of our best and most enjoyable holidays.

I would definitely recommend this property if you like private, beautiful, natural spots. The swimming pool was huge and we all got roasted in the glorious sun next to it... We came with 3 children who spent their afternoons boating along the little river this watermill is on, they loved it. The kitchen was ample and well equiped and we all slept like babies for a week! It was an amazing placed, just beautiful....I especially liked the huge cantilevering balcony and staircase as I'd never seen such things before. very much a place where I'd have liked to spent my youth.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Pat W.

14 July 2015

Unique building in a tranquil setting

The first thing you notice about the Watermill is how peaceful, rural and secluded it is despite being just five or so minutes drive from Monsegur. There are a couple of other homes nearby but the water and woodland provide natural barriers to make you feel truly away from it all. Facilities are plentiful and broad as per the online description, with a whole host of options provided if you want to play sports or games and would be great for families. We are a couple who mainly wanted to sunbathe and do nothing much on holiday which was also catered for with a large roof terrace with BBQ and large dining table. In general the rooms are large, tidy and furnished to a high standard. The kitchen was particularly impressive and well stocked with new utilities which were all very useful as you don't really want to go out for dinner with the view from the terrace. Our arrival was greeted with a meal ready to cook in the fridge which was great after the long drive from Normandy. We also found treats for our dogs which was a very nice touch too! The owner was very helpful before the trip, accommodating when we arrived much later than we had planned, and always available when we had one or two questions about the facilities and the area.

About the host

Hosted by Rita Thomas

I am a retired lecturer & have lived in France for 25years, 20 of which I have rented out my properties, being a professional landlord over here.

Why they chose this property

I fell in love with it & the surroundings - you can't help it! It's beautiful.

What makes this property unique

A simply magnificent location second to none. Just amazing. A natural paradise. The watermill itself has recently undergone a stunning refurbishment inside and out, the latest being an architect designed grey stone pool with white stone surrounds and a bar area with poolside fridge. A waterfront, covered, patio has also been made, with table & chairs for 8 and its own BBQ. adjacent to the waterfall created from its own lock. A balcony has been added to the main bedroom this year, also overlooking the river. Bathroom sinks are pebbles from the local river and a chunk of wood that is from a local forest and has been crafted into another sink in the Jack'n'Jill bathroom. The floor in the wet room has a local stone floor & the kitchen also has a natural stone splashback - also from a local quarry.