Life goes slower in the south of France, and this old watermill in Réaux-Sur-Trèfle offers a taste of country living as well as beautiful bohemian interiors.
The rural retreat is located in the Charente-Maritime, about an hour from Bordeaux, and dates from the 18th century. The historic building has been lovingly renovated as a Mediterranean-inspired five-bedroom, three-bathroom home by interior designer and gallerist Véronique Bloch-Powell, and after running it as a popular holiday let, she’s preparing to part ways with the property for €399,000.
The French property spans 230 sq m and was partially renovated when Bloch-Powell got her hands on it, but it was done in a modern style she rolled back, more in keeping with the building’s history. Now, period features star in every room, from the lime-washed stone walls and hewn beams soaring overhead to patinaed woodwork complemented by cool grey floorboards. Rooms are beautifully curated with Turkish kilims, Moroccan rugs and antique tapestries hanging on walls, while furniture and curios are an enticing mix from Bloch-Powell’s Greek travels (pops of cobalt blue feature on doors and dining room chairs).
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
Courtesy Véronique Bloch-Powell
The kitchen takes the rustic French country aesthetic and gives it a bohemian twist: the solid farmhouse table takes centreplace, seating up to 10 people, with open-faced shelving and free-standing furniture skirting the perimeter of the room. Quaint curtains conceal the contents of the cupboards, and there’s a period fireplace to complete the eclectic look.
Outside, there’s a deck for al fresco lunches overlooking the water, and the old mill is wrapped in 7,000 sq m of flower gardens and meadows, ideal for wildlife spotting and unwinding with a glass of local wine and a book in hand. Luckily, the living room bookshelves are very well stocked. And for adventures further afield, the pretty commune of Jonzac, famed for its healing cave baths, is 6km away.
Interested parties can contact Bloch-Powell directly via Instagram, and the French property is still listed on Airbnb ahead of its sale. It’s also worth noting that there are 230 sqm of outbuildings, which could be further renovated by the future owners.
Are you looking to sell your architect-designed home? Send Kylie a DM on our property Instagram @thespacesforsale for the chance to be featured.
