Description:

Historic Watermill

* Working wheel

* 6.5 acres of land including 2 islands

* Ideal B&B and gite

* Great location

* Direct river access

There has been habitation on this site since 1100 and around 150 years ago it became stamped into local history with the development of what is reputed to be the 1st paper mill in the department of Sarthe. Since then the usage has changed a number of times including a wool factory and more latterly a private residence.

One of the mill wheels (there are placements for three) is still in place and working and could potentially be used to harvest hydro-electric power for the property. The accommodation is nicely presented and spacious with enormous scope for expansion if required. The former 'Monks house' (built by the resident Monks in the 1100s) is being converted into a 2 bedroom gite by the current owners with just the finishing left to do (the owners are still actively working on this and it may well be finished by the time of sale) with its own private garden and sun terrace overlooking the river watched over only by the swans.

The numerous outbuildings of different sizes have their future usage limited only by your imagination (and a few local regulations:.). The main house is split over two floors and provides 4 good sized double bedrooms, a study, large kitchen/diner/lounge, laundry and wash rooms, bathroom and vaulted future dining hall and of course wine cellar. Double glazing has been added by the current owners and there is oil fired heating in place in the house and a heat exchanger system for the new gite.

This large family residence is in a great location with no noise other than the water and with nearly 3 hectares of land (including 2 islands and two paddocks) you are guaranteed a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle. The local market town is only 5 mins away with excellent access to the autoroutes a little further. All the local commerce and amenities are nearby and with the attraction of the river as well as Le Mans and Angers a short drive away this would make an ideal B&B and gite property.

If this has wetted your appetite book to view through us and prepare to explore and discover this historic site - the hardest part will be to remember though that you will have to leave at the end of the visit.

About Centre

Centre, like its neighbour the Pays de La Loire, is one the most majestic regions of France. Dominated by the Loire river and its chateaux, it is truly a magical part of France. Chartres, Blois and Bourges are some of the region's historic cities. Between Orleans and Tours is where you will see hundreds of magnificent chateaux, and this is where the region was given its name the "Valley of the Kings".

The scenery offers rolling hills, river valleys through to many forests, woodlands and lakes.

There are plenty of activities on offer from chateau tours, cycling, bird-watching, fishing, golf, hot-air ballooning, canoeing to kayaking. Of course the food and wines are excellent.

The area offers a mild climate thanks to the influence of the Loire river. The latitude of the Loire is typically where people say the climate becomes markedly better. The area offers milder winters, warm springs, warm to hot summers along with warm autumns.

Access to the region is good. There are low cost flights and the TGV fast train into Tours. Access to the region by car is also good with excellent motorway access. You can also fly into Paris and drive or take the train from there.

The Healey Fox Service
With more than 30 years experience of the French property market the team at Healey Fox offer an efficient and professional service to anyone looking to buy a home in France. The company is based in Surrey in the U.K., where we are always happy to meet with prospective buyers. In France, we work with carefully selected bi-lingual agencies who have intimate knowledge of their areas and properties and will be on hand to assist you during your visits and throughout the purchasing process.
The team in the U.K. is headed by Dan Brewer who was educated in France and has lived and worked there. We have huge knowledge of the country and are always happy to help you to choose the right area for your personal needs and to help you select properties to suit your requirements. Once all that is sorted we will make viewing appointments with our partner agents who will show you selected properties and help you find the right one to buy. Throughout the purchase process both the team in the U.K. and the agents in France will work with you to ensure a safe, efficient and pleasurable buying experience.
If this is the service you are looking for, not only have you found it with Healey Fox but the good news is, it is free! You pay exactly the same commission to the French agent for the purchase as if you walked in off the street, the agent then shares that commission with us.
If a professional, free service is what you would like, call us, email us or check out our houses online.
The Healey Fox website has over 3,000 property listings across France, as well as a comprehensive news section covering the different aspects of buying, owning a property and living in France. There are also sections covering French mortgages, money transfers to France and other useful information about buying in this magical country.