Midi-Pyrénées, Ariège, Foix, France

A37973CMC09 - A RARE GEM IN GANAC – WATER MILL ESTATE WITH GÎTES, B&B, GYPSY CARAVANS & INCOME POTENTIAL

Tucked away in a secluded valley just minutes from Foix, this enchanting 18th-century water mill estate is the ultimate lifestyle and business opportunity. Set along both sides of a gently flowing river, the property spans meadows, orchards, springs, and woodland — a peaceful, picture-postcard setting for your French dream.

THE ESTATE

A nature lover’s paradise, the grounds include:

• Peaceful meadows and a patch of woodland — ideal for outdoor activities, glamping or nature retreats
• An old orchard with apple, pear, fig, walnut, and kiwi trees
• A vegetable garden and several natural springs for sustainable living
• A serene pond and a small private beach on the river — perfect for wild swimming or summer picnics

Two beautifully crafted, fully equipped wooden caravans offer magical accommodation for guests — ideal for B&B, gîte rental or teleworking in total tranquillity.

This property lends itself to multiple income-generating possibilities, such as:

• Guest house or chambre d’hôte
• One or more self-contained gîtes
• Holiday rental of two gypsy caravans (roulottes)
• Potential to add more caravans, subject to planning

MAIN HOUSE (156 m² – Former Water Mill)

Lovingly renovated while retaining its historic charm, the mill offers stylish and comfortable living.

GUEST RECEPTION AREA (5 m²)

• Charming entrance space with eye-catching mosaic floor tiles — doubles as a cloakroom and pantry

FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHEN (13.5 m²)

• Light-filled and practical, ideal for preparing meals for family, guests or paying visitors

MAIN LIVING ROOM (32 m²)

• Cosy yet spacious with a wood-burning stove and whitewashed walls
• Patio doors open onto a sunny 30 m² terrace — the perfect spot to relax or entertain

TV/READING ROOM

• A quiet corner for reading, watching TV, or working from home
• Leads onto a balcony overlooking the river and gardens — a dreamy view to start or end your day

MILLSTONE ROOM

• A striking space where original mill features have been preserved
• Includes an open fireplace, patio doors to a covered riverside terrace
• Mezzanine above – great as a games room, chill-out space or study zone for teens

FIRST FLOOR

• Two tranquil bedrooms
• Dressing room with large built-in wardrobe
• Family bathroom with bath and twin sinks
• Sunny mezzanine for yoga, fitness, or simply soaking in the views of the river

INDEPENDENT ACCOMMODATION – GÎTES & CARAVANS
T2 APARTMENT (30 m²)

Currently used as a B&B room but equally suitable as a fully independent 1-bed gîte, this self-contained unit features:

• Private entrance and sunny terrace
• Bedroom with en-suite shower room
• Kitchenette and separate WC

STONE GÎTE (42 m²)

Rustic charm with modern comforts in this separate character property:

• Open-plan living with a wood-burning stove and fitted kitchen
• Two bedrooms and a private balcony over the stream
• Independent access and private terrace ensure guest privacy

GYPSY CARAVANS – ECO-TOURISM WITH STYLE

Set in a peaceful glade with views over the meadows and Pyrenees, the two wooden caravans offer a unique and romantic getaway.

SMALLER CARAVAN (16 m²)

• Perfect for 2 guests
• Wooden deck with orchard and mountain views
• Alcove double bed + trundle bed
• Kitchenette with all essentials
• Shower room with charming wooden basin and WC

LARGER CARAVAN (18 m²)

• Ideal for families — sleeps 2 adults and 2 children
• Terrace with sun loungers, parasol, hammock, and BBQ
• Double bed + two bench seats in the lounge
• Well-equipped kitchenette
• Bathroom with shower and WC

Both caravans are built by craftsmen from wood throughout — down to the washbasins — and offer a peaceful, back-to-nature experience for guests seeking tranquillity and authenticity.

ADDITIONAL SPACES

GROUND FLOOR – WORKSHOP & OFFICES

• Historic mill wheel area converted into a spacious workshop
• Two rooms suitable for offices, studios, or creative space
• Overlooks the river — peaceful and inspiring

HISTORY OF THE MILL

It all began in the 1800s, when a mill was built to make tools used in the daily lives of the valley's farmers. At the time, the mill was known as a ‘taillanderie’.

This is a hammer mill, as can still be seen in action today at the Forges de Pyrene in Montgaillard near Foix: a large hammer used to forge the tools is driven by the force of water. This water is led from the river to the mill by a beif (water intake).

To forge his tools, the taillandier had to use coal extracted from the earth, as the local forests were already over-exploited at the time for charcoal production.

Around 1860, under Napoleon III, the mill became a ‘flour mill’. You can get an idea of how it worked by visiting the restored Moulin de Buret (Pays de Foix), which was built at the same time as this mill.

The last miller, Gervais Portet, stopped working in 1953.

A FLEXIBLE BUSINESS WITH HUGE POTENTIAL

The estate is perfect for:

• Cycling groups — the Tour de France passes nearby
• Hiking clubs — with trails from your doorstep
• Teleworkers — high-speed fibre internet available
• Wellness or nature retreats
• Organic farming and permaculture projects
• Multi-generational living or tourism income

LOCATION

Just 5 minutes on foot to the village and 5km by car to historic Foix, you benefit from:

• Shops, restaurants, cafés and markets
• Train station, schools, college etc, and major services
• International connections via Toulouse (1 hr) and Carcassonne (1h 20)
• Local amenities within 400m — grocery shop, bar/restaurant, school, playground

If you’re looking for a magical home and business in the Pyrenees — with space, history, beauty, and income potential — this could be the one.

Please contact me for more photographs.

Come and explore this unique opportunity.

It’s more than a home — it’s a way of life.