Moulin Des Iles at Nouvelle-Aquitaine

It’s a rare delight to stay on your own private island in a 12th century watermill, in an amazing setting dotted with islands and water all around you. Moulin Des Iles enjoys a unique and restful location in the Gironde region of south-west France and is only 5km from the charming restaurants and shops of a nearby historic town.  The 900 year old watermill has been restored with love and care and there’s a great sense of character throughout with French furnishings, comfortable bedrooms and bright bathrooms. The high wood-beamed ceilings in the spacious living room are impressive, there is even space for a mezzanine bedroom. Doors lead out to a wooden balcony, designed for al-fresco dining in an idyllic spot as the river flows under the house. Little touches like the welcome pack on arrival with the ingredients for an evening meal make a big difference and show how much the owner cares about her guests and home. Wander over a bridge to the largest island where there's a swimming pool surrounded by stunning grey stone tiles, sun beds and a picture-perfect outdoor lounge by the pool bar and fridge; the ideal spot for a cool glass of wine listening to the little waterfalls and birdsong. Elsewhere there’s also a picturesque riverside terrace for more al-fresco dining with another barbecue, an inviting hot tub as well as a covered terrace with a third barbecue. Kids and parents alike will love exploring the five islands, crossing bridges and little pathways, looking out for red squirrels in the woodland, herons on the river or kingfishers by the canal. There are canoes, a kayak and a fishing boat for intrepid explorers or you may just fancy a game of tennis, football or even mini badminton by the pool. Despite the feeling of seclusion and privacy, it’s only a ten-minute drive to a local bastide town which is full of history and charm. Explore the nearby characterful towns of La Réole and Duras or drive further afield to the villages of Dordogne such as Eymet, Issigeac and Monpazier. Wine-lovers can explore good local vineyards or take memorable trips out to Saint-Émilion, Bergerac or Bordeaux or you could be enjoying chilled white wine and oysters looking over the bay of Arcachon within ninety minutes or so. That said, with such tranquil surroundings, extensive grounds and numerous activities, it will be hard to leave your natural paradise at the incredible Moulin Des Iles. House Interiors First Floor (via external floating staircase) -    Living room with doors leading to large balcony overlooking river -    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dishwasher, American fridge with ice-maker, electric oven, hob, microwave, coffee machine, toaster and dining table -    Master bedroom with four-poster bed and en suite bathroom with whirlpool bath and WC -    Double bedroom -    Twin bedroom -    Shower room / wet room with shower and WC Open mezzanine level (off the living area, via narrow open-tread spiral staircase) -    Twin bedroom Outside Grounds -    Swimming pool (13mx7m, depth 1.2-2m) with safety gate. Open approximately May to September -    Pool bar with fridge -    Poolside terrace with sunloungers (x6) and al-fresco lounge area   -    Balcony terrace with gas plancha BBQ and al-fresco dining area -    Riverside al-fresco dining area with BBQ -    Covered terrace for al-fresco dining with BBQ -    Hot tub and terrace with table and chairs -    2 x canoes and 1 x kayak (life-jackets provided) -    Fishing boat and rod -    Tennis net and football goal -    Mini badminton area -    3 hectares of grounds (including five islands in total, connected by walkways or boat) -    Direct water access -    Two waterfalls -    Pond area -    Swings Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    2 x portable air-conditioning units -    Heating -    Satellite TV -    DVD player -    Board games and books -    Table tennis -    Tennis net and football goal -    Mini badminton area -    Canoes and kayak (and life-jackets) -    Fishing boat and rod -    Hot tub -    Washing machine