Le Moulin du Jardinier

A luxury villa to rent in Mouans Sartoux in the south of France

Moulin du Jardinier is a converted old mill house set in over seven acres of beautifully mature, landscaped gardens in the hills at Mouans Sartoux in the south of France. From the house and gardens there are open views over the valley below.

When director Sir David Lean first spotted this 15th-century, stone-built house he said, “All I want to do is lie down in the grass under an olive tree and look up through its silver-green leaves and gaze at the blue sky”.

Bought from Sir David’s widow by a young Danish couple who also fell under its spell, the house and gardens still have all their magical charm and this is one of the most wonderful retreats in the south of France.

The furnishings throughout the house blend a taste for the dramatic with a more tempered and elegant Scandinavian simplicity. Rich fabrics and beautifully executed paint effect finishes, including several entrancing murals, all create a colourful setting for the Provencal antique furniture.

The first floor offers one double bedroom and a twin, both en-suite, as well as a single bedroom with separate bathroom.

The ground floor boasts the master bedroom suite, which has his and hers bathrooms. This master suite is separated from the house by a conservatory so is very private, with French doors opening onto its own terrace and water garden. Up a spiral staircase from the conservatory you’ll find a further twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom.

The huge vaulted drawing room and dining room are perfect for entertaining and open directly onto the terraces and one of several outdoor dining areas, all with lovely views.

The large pool with green mosaic tiles nestles underneath one of the many flower terraces. At one end, the elegant pool house offers everything from a barbecue and fridge to a handmade, wrought-iron dining table and chairs.

There is a cottage adjacent providing staff (a couple) accommodation.