A fully restored watermill, its verdant garden with a river, a swimming
pool, a caretaker’s cottage and a six-hectare poplar grove, in the Loiret countryside
pool, a caretaker’s cottage and a six-hectare poplar grove, in the Loiret countryside
Griselles,
LOIRET
center-val-de-loire
45210
FR
Location
Sheltered from view, the property is located in the hollow of a small valley, not far from one of the most charming villages in the Loiret department, nestled within the Cléry River valley. In addition, it is approximately 90 kilometres to the east of Orléans, 13 kilometres from Montargis and its train station, 11 kilometres from the Dordives train station, only three kilometres from the medieval village of Ferrières-en-Gâtinais and six kilometres from the Vaugouard golf course, while several stud farms can be found in the area and Paris, only 100 kilometres away, remains easily accessible.
Description
Along a country road, the property is nestled discreetly in the middle of the Cléry River valley, on a site that in all likelihood has been occupied since the 16th century. Behind its impressive wrought-iron gate, framed by two pillars festooned in meticulously pruned ivy, a cobblestone esplanade leads to a bridge that spans the Cléry, stocked with trout, before reaching the mill, harmoniously incorporated within its verdant décor. To the south is the former outbuilding, completely restored, behind which extends the swimming pool, while the grounds, of approximately 6,000 m², have been fully landscaped. Last, but not least, the property also features a poplar grove of nearly six hectares as well as a fully independent caretaker’s cottage.
The Mill
Completely restored, the four-storey building has pointed stone exteriors cadenced by windows and topped with a flat tile roof. Facing southeast, the main façade features an exterior staircase that provides access to the first floor, while an arched glass door opens on to a balcony. To the north, the restored waterwheel, powered by the Cléry, remains a noteworthy item, while, to the south, two large picture windows bathe the two lower floors in light and, to the west, a tower is topped with a flat tile pepperpot roof.
The ground floor
Past the front door, an initial sitting room, where the mechanism for the mill’s wheel is showcased in all its splendour, immediately captures the attention, while a staircase, safeguarded by a wrought-iron railing decorated with ivy foliage patterns, provides access to the first floor. Following on from here, an archway leads to a fully fitted kitchen, from where a glass door gives directly on to a patio facing east, whereas a corridor, with cupboards and a sink, also communicates with a lavatory and a former pantry.
From the initial sitting room, another archway leads to the larger drawing room, divided into two separate areas. The first, with a white stone fireplace and visible ceiling beams is used as the living room, while the second is a dining room, which stands out from the first thanks to its lime-pointed stone walls. Nearby, wide glass double doors give on to the garden and a final archway provides access to a boudoir, with pointed stone walls, located in the western tower.
The first floor
Accessible from the main staircase, it is organised around a landing with a lavatory, which communicates with an initial bedroom with its own bathroom, a second bedroom, also with its own bathroom, as well as a study and a laundry room. In addition, an archway provides access to a living area, while a small corridor leads to the primary bedroom with a wardrobe, which is bathed in light thanks to wide glass double doors that open on to a balcony. Extending on from here, a door opens on to the last bathroom, located in the western tower, with its own shower and topped with remarkable wooden rafters.
The second floor
Accessible via a wooden staircase from the first floor’s landing, it is laid out around a landing that provides access to an initial bedroom with a shower, as well as a lavatory and three bedrooms, two of which have their own adjacent bathroom.
The third floor
A small landing opens on to an immense room converted into a bedroom with a lavatory, bathroom and wardrobe.
The Barn
Standing not far from a woodshed and with a floor area of approximately 142 m², it is divided into two sections: the first includes a covered outdoor area, a kennel and a machine room, while the second is used as a changing room for the swimming pool with a shower and lavatory. From there, a wooden staircase ascends to the first floor where an immense room equipped with all utilities (water, electricity and drainage), awaits to be converted into a myriad of possibilities.
The Caretaker's Cottage
Completely independent, it is located to the northwest of the mill and features a stone exterior and an enclosed garden of approximately 400 m², giving it the feel of a genuine little cottage. With a floor area of approximately 56 m², it includes a living room, a fitted kitchen, a lavatory, a shower room and a bedroom, as well as an attic.
The Grounds
Sheltered from view, they extend over approximately 6,000 m² and are partially enclosed by a stone wall. Past the impressive wrought-iron gate, a cobblestone esplanade leads to an orchard to the south, while, to the west, a bridge crosses the Cléry River and provides access to the mill. Fully landscaped, the area was designed in harmony with the surrounding nature, which is, in turn, highlighted from every angle. As for water, ubiquitous on the property, it enlivens the grounds thanks to its visual presence and gentle sound.
In addition, weeping willows near the former washhouse, magnolias, meticulously pruned ivy and white hydrangeas create a timeless tableau, while, to the south of the barn, a heated swimming pool of 11 x 5 metres, renovated in 2003, represents an ideal area for relaxation. Lastly, to the west of the mill, a more secluded area leads to an arbour festooned with ivy and honeysuckle and a poplar grove of approximately six hectares is located along the edge of the grounds.
Our opinion
This unique place, sheltered from view, immersed in tranquillity and lulled by the lapping waters of the Cléry River, was meticulously and carefully restored, successfully conserving its ancient details while, at the same time, adding all modern comforts. With its layout and many bedrooms, it provides a wide range of possibilities, such as a main residence, a country house accessible in 1.5 hours from Paris, tourist accommodations or a restaurant. As for the grounds, deftly combining unspoilt nature with well-appointed amenities, they provide an ideal background for this picture-perfect property, which is, in turn, enhanced by the soothing presence of water.
Reference 764611
| Land registry surface area | 7 ha 18 a 80 ca |
| Main building floor area | 504 m² |
| Number of bedrooms | 9 |
| Outbuildings floor area | 142 m² |
French Energy Performance Diagnosis
Information on the risks to which this property is exposed is available on the website: www.georisques.gouv.fr
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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.
