luxury mills for sale Nièvre, France

A unique, 18th-century mill, with a fully restored house, outbuildings, more than 55 hectares of grounds and a 16-hectare fishing lake, in the countryside of the former Nivernais province. The property stretches over 55 hectares on either side of a vast, approximately 16-hectare lake through which flows the River Cressonne. This water mirror forms the natural crossroads of the estate, around which the different buildings are set. A drive winds through the grounds up to a two-storey, fully restored manor house with a cellar. The limewash rendered façades are dotted with regularly shaped windows on either side of an elegant south facing entrance that can be reached via a central, double-flighted set of stone steps. To the north, the main entrance onto the garden level stands opposite the former pigsty, a witness to the estate’s rural past. The edifice is topped by a sober, dark, slate roof. A former barn stands slightly set back to the northwest. The mill building stands below the house, to the south. Its red brick façades reflect in the water of the lake on whose shores it stands. It was constructed as a grain mill and previously figured among the Nièvre area’s many water-powered buildings, whose activity was gradually abandoned with the rise of industrialisation. Its distinctive feature is its roof frame like an upturned ship’s hull. The structure is made up of light pieces of flat wood assembled using an ingenious wedge system and did not require the use of large lifting machines. It is covered with small, flat terracotta tiles that are typical of the region. This type of roof frame, known in France as a ‘Philibert Delorme’ roof frame after the architect whose technique became widespread in the 16th century, is directly inspired by the shape of a ship’s hull and enabled the entirety of the attic space to be used for storage of commodities. The waterwheel is no longer in place but it is still possible to see the tailrace and the where the water previously passed.

The advertiser did not provide an english description for this listing.

THE VAUPRANGES MILL IN THE MORVAN In Mhère, at the Vaupranges Mill, a road winds down into the valley floor to a property crossed by the Anguison River. The stone building stands in front of the millrace and retains part of its mechanism, which is visible from the living areas. The house comprises nine rooms, including six bedrooms, spread over four levels, and is currently used as a vacation rental. Some rooms are in daily use, while others still need to be developed. Outbuildings, land, and a swimming pool complete the property. ARRIVAL AT THE VALLEY FLOOR Access follows a road that winds down through the woods to the valley floor. The mill is situated on the edge of the millstream, in an open setting of meadows and forest edges. Built around 1650, its proportions and location place it among the hydraulic structures of the Morvan region. The building has been restored in keeping with its original structure. The woodwork has been refurbished, the doors are made of oak, the floors have been insulated, and the utilities have been updated. The entryway leads to a first living area. The living room, featuring a fireplace, opens onto the landscape and extends into a wooden veranda overlooking the garden. The estate spans 2.18 hectares. It includes meadows, wooded areas, and the riverbanks. The Anguison River flows through the property and feeds the mill race, maintaining a direct link to the mill's original operation. THE MECHANISM ROOM In the guesthouse area, the large dining room?designed for receptions and events?is equipped with a professional kitchen and also houses the mill's machinery, which is visible and integrated into the dining space. The machinery remains in place, its operation clearly visible, and directly connects the property's current use to its history. A separate kitchen allows for optimal organization and is currently used for family gatherings. Some rooms are already suitable for extended stays, while others require targeted renovations to ensure the site's long-term sustainability. Outside, a south-facing terrace provides a setting for meals. The swimming pool, situated at a distance above the millrace, creates a second relaxation area used during the season. The possibility of restoring the hydraulic system, meanwhile, ensures tangible continuity. LIVING AND EVOLVING The house features nine rooms, including six bedrooms spread across four levels, allowing it to accommodate several people and maintain the guesthouse operation already in place. Three bathrooms complement this layout. The outbuildings, opposite the house?a former grain loft and a barn?expand the property's capacity. The property, spanning over two hectares, stretches across open areas, riverbanks, and forest edges, offering practical activities such as river fishing, hiking, or outings around Lake Settons. Access to the A6 highway in fifty minutes and the Montbard TGV station in one hour allows for a balance between staying on-site and traveling. AGENCY OPINION This mill in the Morvan is ideal for a buyer who wants to build upon an existing property to develop it over time. The existing machinery, the active millstream, and the current use as a guesthouse provide a solid foundation. The identified improvements support a clear path forward. Condominiums of 1 units. Annual expenses : 4500 euros.