The Nachbroun, kindly people, simply love mills. This one began life in the 13th century – property then of the Earl of Champagne – and its history entwines with village folklore. Your upstairs room – modern retro style with painted panelling, brocante prints and a big monochrome shower room – overlooks the mill pond: a treat for all seasons whether dizzying with dragonflies or mist-rising on a frosty morning. Breakfast is a grand spread of sweet and savoury; there’s a corner kitchen downstairs, a garden barbecue, and a decent restaurant you can easily walk to in attractive, historic and watery Soulaine-Dhuys.
A truly lovely place - quiet, welcoming, full of character. Jean-Claude gave us a guided tour of the mill and our conversation continued into early evening over a bottle of wine. A word of warning - the restaurant in the village - La Venise Verte - changed hands before our arrival, having gone badly downhill. Jean-Claude was unsure if it had improved. As it was close by, we decided to give it a try and Jean-Claude came with his family. We were all seriously disappointed - slack service, poor cuisine, relatively high prices. Unfortunately, the nearest alternative is 20 minutes drive away.