Our holiday home Moulin St Yves is located in the South Ardeche. It’s a recently renovated early 19th century grain mill on the riverside of the Fontaulière. The river joins the Ardeche river some miles downstream.
It is a pleasant stay in every season, significantly less hot in summer than in the deep south of the Ardeche thanks to its favorable location. There is plenty of sun and shade on both the riverside and the terraces surrounding the house. Take a refreshing dip in the river if you want to cool down a little bit.
The source of the Fontaulière is about 10 miles upstream in La Vestide du Pal, in the crater of a volcano located on the edge of a plateau at about 4.000 feet altitude. The river passes some small villages before its fresh and clean water flows along our house.
Built right next to the house, there is a former silk spinning mill that used to be driven by water power just like the grain mill. The silk mill is empty now, it will be renovated in the nearby future.
You have to be surefooted and a bit sporty as the house is situated 100 feet below the car park. A path through the forest takes you to the house, it is a walk of about 750 feet.
The house is a quiet and peaceful place to stay, as it is located on the edge of a village, with neighbors at a distance. It lies sheltered among the hills and by the riverside, surrounded by nature. At the house, you have the river and the garden with terraces on different levels all to yourself. You can cross a small bridge over the river and take a nice walk downstream.
It feels like a remote place and yet it is only 5 minutes by car to nearby towns such as Meyras (restaurants) and Montpezat-sous-Bauzon (mini supermarket, bakery, restaurant). Big supermarkets are a 10-15 minute drive. Aubenas, a major town with regional function, is about 20 minutes away.
Moulin St Yves is suitable for 2-4 people. The ground floor consists of a living kitchen with a staircase to the first floor. This floor has an open landing, which leads to a bedroom with a double bed, and a bathroom with shower and toilet. The landing has a double sofa bed, but also an open connection to the downstairs, so there is limited privacy for those sleeping there.
This holiday home isn’t well suited for people with difficulty walking as well as parents with babies and small children.
Our facilities include:
- WiFi
- 5-burner gas cooker with 2 electric ovens and grill
- Fridge and freezer
- Nespresso machine, milk foamer, water cooker
- Wood-burning stove incl. firewood, electric radiators
- In bedroom: premium quality double bed and mobile airco
- Washing machine and dryer
- Garden furniture, hammock and outdoor electric grill.
