LUCAS AND MARINE

In the peaceful country town of Sarthe, the enchanting estate of Le Moulin surrounded by two hectares of luscious grounds can be found. Le Moulin, a cosy bed and breakfast stay, is serenely burrowed within the heart of the country of Sarthoise, Perche, which is a two hour journey from Paris. Here, trees that are centuries old are surrounded with orchards and streams of water that pour abundantly in this part of the country. This estate is the creative collaboration to be conceived by Lucas, the co-founder of Hauvette & Madani and his partner Marine, who has spent the last 10 years working in prêt-à-porter fashion working as a communications manager. Over the years, Marine, has developed a penchant for collecting vintage decor and objects, and finding them a new purpose within the 21st century.

Crafted with the same disciplinary techniques by the architecture and design studio of Hauvette & Madani, Le Moulin has been manifested to entreat its clients with the bonhomie of countryside manner. This has been perfectly personified through the mix of vintage pieces that have been selected for the home, as well as the mix of noble and authentic materials married with light colour palettes.

The main intention for this country escape is: “to give soul to a place which has remained uninhabited for more than a hundred years”. The craft of creativity behind the duo can be experienced through their own personal touches throughout the estate, such as the patterned wall in the kitchen that has been painted freehand by Luca, or the selection of chairs that have been reupholstered by Marine.

“With Le Moulin we wanted to create a factory of memories, a place where we can gather and reconnect to the essential, nature, family, friends. We found this sensation of evasion here in this peaceful haven, with a river running through it.”

The philosophy of “slow living” is at the heart of what Lucas and Marine have whispered into this estate, where heartfully edited pieces that have been purchased from local flea markets and yards sales, have been up-cycled into the design. Guests are also welcome to purchase items from the home, as there is no attachment to the objects. Other pieces that have been curated within the space are by Atelier Paolo, Vincent Schoepfer, and Alkali.

This charming country house offers four cosy bedrooms that provide a relaxing and ultimate escape that allows one to be set free from the city and all its worldly cares. On the first level, two spacious bedrooms occupy the first floor, and are furnished with all the comforts that offer a sense of familiarity that make you feel right at home.

The other two bedrooms are accessible through an inner courtyard, with each telling its own unique tale of design. The 70’s inspired suite has its own private ensuite, which can be accessed through its own entrance. Dressed in luxurious white carpet, it features a mix of modern and assorted treasures over the decades such as the Lita wall lamps.

The other room known as the Bergerie, is comprised over two floors. This suite is also a mix of design periods that are eloquently weaved together, such as the treasured personal touches of 70’s curtains by Pierre Frey from Lucas’ grandmother.

The bathroom itself also embodies its surrounding environment, as it is wrapped in a serene display of forest green subway tiles and terrazzo flooring. At the centrepiece of this bathroom is an art deco style shell pedestal sink that was purchased second-hand by Marine.

At Le Moulin, Lucas and Marine have conjured all the delicate and dreamy comforts that make any traveller or escapee feel right at home. The estate embodies all the elements of escapism where one can find refuge and feel grounded once again, whether it’s from the luscious grounds to the river, or the heart and the warmth of the residence itself. Without doubt, this is the place where guests will never want to leave.

PHOTOGRAPHY | LUCAS MADANI