Moulin du Martinet is a rare and enchanting family holiday villa in the Dordogne, offering space, comfort and history in equal measure. Set on its own private island and surrounded by the gentle River Loue, this beautifully restored former mill provides a safe, peaceful and memorable setting for families holidaying together.
Originally built as a paper mill in the 1670s, and later used as a flour mill until the 1960s, the villa has been thoughtfully renovated to combine historic character with modern family comforts. Its location in the hamlet of Saint-Médard-d’Excideuil means families can enjoy countryside privacy while being just a short walk from the restaurants, shops and market of Excideuil.
The owners, Mark and Amanda, live discreetly in a private apartment within the Moulin, with their own separate entrance and garden area. They are on site to maintain the gardens and swimming pool during your stay and always fully respect guests’ privacy.
Layout
At the heart of the home is a large contemporary French kitchen, designed for family life. With a newly fitted luxury kitchen, farmhouse dining table and comfortable seating by the wood-burning stove, this is a welcoming space for shared meals, games and relaxed evenings together.
The ground floor also includes:
A bright and peaceful family living room with garden views, a home office/workspace with fast Wi-Fi, ideal for parents working remotely. A modern and extremely spacious family bathroom with double sink, bath, shower and WC
Upstairs, a beautiful wooden staircase leads to a grand hallway and four generously sized double bedrooms, all decorated in a calm French country style. Each bedroom enjoys views over the garden and river, creating a restful atmosphere for both parents and children. A second modern bathroom with shower, double sinks and WC serves this floor.
Sleeping Arrangements
4 generously sized double bedrooms
2 additional single beds available on request
Exterior
Families love the outdoor space at Moulin du Martinet. Accessed via a private bridge, the villa opens onto a large enclosed garden, offering children space to play and explore while parents relax.
The villa is surrounded by the River Loue, creating a natural sense of privacy and safety. The private swimming pool, newly installed in 2023, is perfect for family fun on warm Dordogne days, while several outdoor seating areas allow you to choose between sun, shade, quiet corners or the BBQ and dining area.
Moulin du Martinet is situated in the quaint hamlet of Saint Médard d'Excideuil, a short walk from historic Excideuil with its 10th century monastery and excellent weekly market.
The villa was built on its own island surrounded by the river Loue which means guests can enjoy some privacy from the outside world and have plenty of space to explore the gardens and enjoy the swimming pool and terraced area which was newly installed in 2023.
Various outdoor seating areas provide choice of sun, shade, peace or BBQ area.
There is ample parking for several cars.
Local Area
Moulin du Martinet is ideally located in the peaceful hamlet of Saint-Médard-d’Excideuil, just a 10-minute walk from the historic market town of Excideuil in the Dordogne. This prime location allows guests to enjoy a Dordogne holiday without needing to drive, with village amenities close at hand.
Excideuil is known for its striking 10th-century monastery and its popular weekly market held every Thursday, where visitors can buy fresh local produce and regional specialities. The town offers a good choice of cafés, restaurants and artisan shops, all within easy walking distance of the villa.
Guests staying at Moulin du Martinet also benefit from the convenience of a large Super U supermarket in Excideuil, ideal for family shopping and self-catering holidays. A traditional French boulangerie is also nearby, perfect for fresh bread and pastries each morning.
Getting there
By Car (and Ferry)
For guests travelling by car from the UK, the Dordogne is easily accessible. From the Eurotunnel, the journey typically takes around 9 hours, depending on traffic and chosen route. Popular driving routes pass via Paris or via Rouen, allowing flexibility depending on your travel plans and preferred stopping points.
Guests arriving by Channel ferry will also find the journey straightforward, with DFDS and Brittany Ferries offering a wide range of crossings, sailing times and ports. There is also an overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Santander, from where the drive to the Dordogne (Périgueux area) takes approximately six hours.
By Plane and Train
The Dordogne is well served by a combination of regional airports and rail connections, making it accessible from the UK and across Europe. Nearby airports include Bergerac, Bordeaux, Limoges, Brive (Vallée de la Dordogne) and Toulouse, all offering good onward travel options by car or train.
A range of airlines operate routes to these airports from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, including Ryanair, easyJet, British Airways, Air France and KLM, depending on season and departure location.
For those travelling via Paris, there are excellent onward connections. The high-speed TGV reaches Bordeaux in around two hours and Brive-la-Gaillarde in approximately four hours, offering a comfortable and efficient alternative to driving. From these stations, car hire and regional trains provide easy access to the Dordogne.
Accessibility
Due to the stairs and steps in this property it is not suitable for those with mobility issues
