The windmill, which was originally built in the XV1 century, and the attached cottage are situated on a hill near Roquecor. The property is 16 kilometres east of Villeneuve sur Lot and 8 kilometres west of Montaigu de Quercy in the beautiful Lot valley. The mill occupies 4.4 acres and has plenty of shady trees and a pond. There are magnificent views and a private swimming pool 11m by 5.5m. The Lac de St. Beauzeil, some 800 metres south, can be used for fishing. The land is surrounded by fields of sunflowers, sweetcorn and vines. There are many wild flowers including orchids. The windmill is in a very peaceful location and offers wonderful holiday opportunities.

  The property sleeps 8 plus a baby. There are two sets of bunk beds on the lower and middle floors of the Windmill tower and a solid mahogany 4-poster bed on the top floor. In the attached cottage there is a living/dining room measuring 8m x 4.5m, with a kitchenette and a shower room/toilet. Duvets, crockery, cutlery, pots, pans, an iron, vacuum cleaner, microwave, fridge freezer, washing machine, baby bath and high chair are all provided. Cooking is by bottled gas and water heating is by electricity. The separate pigeonnier accommodates 2, with a double bedroom and en suite facilities upstairs and a living room, kitchen and toilet downstairs. The pigeonnier has a view of the pool. There is a

 degree of privacy as the two buildings are separated by the patio of about 20 feet. This arrangement could be ideal for two couples, friends holidaying together, relations or for older children.

 Outdoors the enclosed patio has a bench set and a giant parasol for shade. A tent gazebo, garden furniture, sunloungers with cushions and a shaded swing seat are provided. There is ample parking and turning space and flat areas for games. Recreational facilities include bats, balls, climbing frames, swings and slides, a football goal, a giant chess set, and a windsurfer.

 The swimming pool has a magnificent south facing view with a wide terrace, waterslide, diving board and a gas barbeque. This is an excellent spot from which to watch birds of prey or the stars on a clear night. The sunsets in this part of the world are often spectacular and the terrace affords a splendid outlook, perhaps after a barbeque and a swim. The pond is man-made and is at the top of a limestone hill. While there is normally adequate water in it, it tends to dry out through the course of a long hot summer with no or little rain. Please note that the pool is fenced in accordance with french law with a lockable gate. This has been made as unobtrusive as possible.

There is a plan d'eau with sandy lake beaches and waterslides 7 kms away at Montaigu de Quercy. There are others at Montcuq, Beauville and Tournon. Bicycles can be hired locally and tennis courts can be found at Valleilles. Horse riding and golf are available close by. The windsurfer can be taken to the Lot or the watersports centre at Moissac, where there is a large lake. Life jackets are provided but guests may prefer to bring their own. The attractions of the Dordogne valley are a day trip away and the Departement town of Cahors is worth a visit for its Roman bridge and architecture. St. Cirq Lapopie (a less crowded and smaller version of Rocamadour) is one of the prettiest in France. The cloisters at Moissac are also interesting. The Walibi theme park at Agen makes an enjoyable day out for those families with younger children. The Gouffre de Padirac, although a fairly long drive away, is spectacular but visitors are advised to arrive early as queues get very long.

 There are many markets in the surrounding bastide towns. The mill has a list of these as well as a large selection of literature covering the many sights and places of interest, including restaurants. The area is of course famed for its eating and drinking and fortunately there is a noted gourmet chateau restaurant nearby. The Chateau de 1'Hoste is expensive but good. The windmill is close to the wine region of AOC Cahors.

Cleaning

The property and pool are fully serviced but guests are required to clean the accommodation and leave it as they would wish to find it so as not to spoil the start of someone else's holiday. Please pick up all litter and place it in the bins provided at the corner of the road to the Lac de St. Beauzeil by Ferme Larche. Should the property be left in an unacceptable state a fixed charge of £70 will be levied to cover the cost of additional cleaning.

 Payment of rent

Rentals start and finish on Saturdays. Guests are asked to arrive after 3pm and leave before l0am so as to allow time for cleaning and pool servicing. Please make a cheque payable to Mr. J.C.W. Mellows for 25% of the rent at the time of booking. The balance is due ten weeks before the letting date.

Cancellation charges

Cancellation more than ten weeks before rental - forfeiture of deposit. Cancellation less than ten weeks before rental- full payment is due. Guests are strongly advised to take out cancellation and personal liability insurance.

Please note:

The spiral staircase is unsuitable for the elderly or the very young but there are floor to ceiling banisters, a rope handrail and a stairgate.

Due to limitations of space in the windmill tower storage of clothes is restricted. There are hanging rails and chests of drawers in each bedroom, with wardrobes on the lower two floors. There is a wardrobe and chest in the pigeonnier. If guests consider privacy to be a priority then it must be clearly understood that the spiral staircase winds through the bedrooms and each is curtained off. This is a character property and is a holiday home not a permanent residence. We endeavour to keep the standard high but it must be remembered that the windmill is in the middle of the French countryside. Response times for any repairs can at be slow in peak season and therefore some features may be temporarily unavailable.

Linen

Linen is not normally provided and guests should bring their own. For those guests who use fly-drive, linen is available by advance arrangement at £ 10 per person per week.

Security Deposit

A returnable security deposit is required with the final payment. This is £100. Guests are asked to replace small items as they get broken. The deposit is normally returned less £30 contribution to gas, electricity, water and pool servicing - see booking form.

Booking

Please either telephone or email the owner when a booking form and conditions will be sent by post.

t=01329 662248

jmellows@hotmail.com