In the lush, wooded northern part of the Dordogne, Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek has transformed a derelict old watermill and its adjacent barn into two unique holiday homes. Privately situated in a forest clearing, both houses accommodate up to eight guests and offer a peaceful retreat immersed in nature. The rustic interiors feature exposed stone walls, wooden ceilings, and polished concrete floors, while custom-made furniture and objects crafted from reclaimed wood by Piet Hein Eek add a distinctive contemporary touch.

Piet Hein Eek’s holiday homes are located in the Dordogne, on the rolling green hills of the Périgord Vert, on the estate of Château de Mavaleix in Mavaleix (municipality of Chalais), France. The estate is approximately one hour from the city of Limoges and around 40 minutes from Périgueux, a charming town filled with restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. Enjoy the houses and their beautiful garden, or explore the surrounding countryside on foot. Visit the nearby Château de Jumilhac, browse the Saturday morning market in Thiviers for local delicacies, or take a scenic horseback ride through the countryside at Pony Club de St Pantaly d’Excideuil, just a 30-minute drive away.

The houses can be rented together or separately and have been designed as a place to slow down and unwind, making them ideal for families and anyone seeking peace and quiet. Start your morning with a cup of coffee on the terrace before visiting a local market to pick up fresh regional ingredients for a leisurely meal prepared in the spacious kitchen. Children can roam the forest or play on the lawn, while on warmer days you can cool off in the landscaped swimming channel or in the La Valouse stream that flows along the garden. Guests are also welcome to use the swimming pool and tennis court at Château de Mavaleix, both within a 20 to 30-minute walk.

Le Moulin, the converted watermill, offers two bedrooms with double beds and a third bedroom with bunk beds for up to four guests. It features two bathrooms, each with a bathtub, shower, and double washbasin. The fully equipped kitchen includes a fireplace, oven, steam oven, dishwasher, and espresso machine. Additional amenities include a television with DVD player, a washer-dryer, towels and bed linen, hammam towels for use by the water, and Wi-Fi.

Le Four, the converted cottage, also features two bedrooms with double beds and a third bedroom with bunk beds for up to four guests. It has two bathrooms: one with a bathtub, shower, and double washbasin, and another with a shower and washbasin. The kitchen is equipped with a fireplace, oven, microwave, dishwasher, and espresso machine. Guests will also find a television with DVD player, a washer-dryer, towels and bed linen, hammam towels for use by the water, and Wi-Fi.