THE PLACE

Moulin du Clout is an old walnut mill with attached modern house and gite situated in a picturesque valley of the river Cele in the Auvergne.
The mill lies in the bottom of a deep valley in 8 hectares (20 acres) of fields and forest. There is half a kilometre of trout stream including a weir controlling a mill-race that feeds the millpond. There are four fields in the valley bottom and one on the shoulder of the hill . Rocky crags in the valley sides have accessible flattish tops from which there are some fine views. Most of the domaine is woodland, mostly of sweet chestnut and oaks with some poplars in the valley bottom, walnut trees and several fruit: apples, peaches and cherries. The sun reaches into the valley from the east in the morning and from the west in the evening, when it is delightful to walk along the riverside track. There are resident heron, buzzard, woodpecker, tits, songbirds and a hoopoe has been seen. Deer, hares and a wild pig have been spotted in the valley.

This is France Profonde. Life is simple here and we mostly make our own pleasures. We have no swimming pool, no games room (although that is being considered for next year) and no television as yet (either French or English). We have no near neighbours - the village is about a twenty minute walk up hill and nobody speaks English except us and another couple who have a holiday home in the village. The village has no shops, bars or restaurant - those are all a twenty minute drive away.

What we do have is peace and quiet and beautiful scenery. We are quite happy here and if you are the right kind of people you will be too. If what you like are bright lights, noise and late night dancing this is not for you.

The modern building (built 36 years ago) comprises the main house and a gite. Both have their own entrance.

The gite (where I expect to accommodate you) has a livingroom/kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom with shower and separate toilet. Some pictures are below.

View 1 of living room/kitchen

View 2 of living room/kitchen

Bedroom 1 with double bed

Bedroom 2 with 2 single beds