Before we dive into the details, could you briefly introduce yourself and your family?

My name is Piet Hein Eek. I have three daughters: Lieve, Roos, and Geertje. My girlfriend is Stefanie, and my ex-wife is Jeanine.

We’d love to share more about you as a person with our customers. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a designer, and I work with what is available around me. The objects I design are produced and sold both in Eindhoven and worldwide through our dealers.

When and how did this accommodation become part of your life, and what motivated you to make it part of your journey?

During a holiday at Chateaux de Mavaleix, the owner, Willem, showed me the estate. As we drove into the valley and I saw the ruins of the mill (Le Moulin) and the bakery (Le Four), I was immediately sold. I’ve always loved ruins, and now I had the chance to own one. Willem initially didn’t want to sell, but after a few years of friendship and many visits, he eventually agreed, and I was able to buy the mill.

Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your accommodation?

The whole process took ten years and was a massive project with many experiences along the way. Slowly, I began to understand why the mill was built there, using materials from the surroundings and making use of what nature offers: the stream, the valley, stone, wood, sunlight, and so on. Hundreds of years ago, people had no choice but to work with what was available and had a deeper understanding and respect for nature than we do today. In a way, I still work like that. The mill is part of the environment, and when you’re there, you become a part of it too.

What makes your accommodation truly special to you? Are there any memories or moments that make it extra dear?

Even though the buildings feel authentic, I personally designed and created every detail. Not everything is exactly as it was before, but if people back then had the knowledge we have now, they might have done things differently too. I tried to build with the mentality and goals of the past but with modern techniques. As a result, it feels as right as any authentic building. For those interested, there are unique details everywhere, even if they seem ordinary at first. For those who just want a holiday, it feels natural and comfortable. The houses are part of the nature around them.

How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your accommodation?

Although the houses contain a lot of modern art and my own furniture designs, you still feel part of a whole: the forest, the valley, the stream, the building, and the interior. Perhaps the best example is the story of the artwork by Jan van den Ploeg. I asked him to create a mural, expecting something about nature, but he proposed bold, colorful stripes on the wooden panels in the mill. It was the opposite of what I had imagined, but I trusted his vision. His work emphasized the human presence in nature, making everything more beautiful.

What is your favorite part of the accommodation and why?

I could sit for hours on the veranda, watching nature. The hillside across the stream feels like a widescreen television, where almost nothing happens, but even a small bird can be captivating (I don’t watch television myself, so maybe I’m easily satisfied). We all love cooking, so the kitchens and dining tables are also central to the houses.

What makes the location of your accommodation unique and special?

The way the houses blend into nature is unique. In my work and architecture, I aim to do what makes sense, without the intention of creating something new or extraordinary (which is often the goal in this field). Since this project was entirely for myself, with no constraints on time or money, it’s turned out exactly as I envisioned. Many guests and friends consider it my most perfect work, but you shouldn’t be looking for something spectacular or innovative. It’s the overall experience that makes it special.

Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly practices connected to your accommodation that you’re proud of?

We’re currently developing a turbine to generate our own electricity (we have a "droit de l’eau"). I initially wanted to do this at the beginning of the project, but it turned out to be quite challenging. Now, we’re going to build one ourselves.

What motivated or inspired you to rent out your property to guests?

From the beginning, we wanted to make it available for guests. As the project grew, it felt strange not to share it. That initial thought turned out to be the right one.

Can you provide a vivid description of the overall experience guests can expect during their stay?

After a 1.5-kilometer drive through the forest, where you keep thinking, “Where am I, and is this the right way?”, you arrive in the valley where I first saw the ruins and where the two buildings now stand. It’s in the middle of nowhere, and from that moment, you feel isolated from the rest of the world. Though groceries are only about a ten-minute drive away, so it’s not too remote.

In what ways does your accommodation stand out from others? What unique features make it an unforgettable experience for guests?

As mentioned earlier, it’s a complete design; both the buildings and the interior are designed, made, and chosen by us. My ex-wife and children sometimes wondered if it was wise to invest so much in a place without a view of the sea or mountains. But every time I’m there, I realize that being in your own valley, with the view being just the valley itself, is the most beautiful thing. Many regular guests plan to do all sorts of activities but end up just shopping, cooking, eating, drinking, playing games, reading, and simply being together. You can do a lot, but doing nothing is more than enough.

What is the nicest compliment you’ve received from a guest?

The mother of a good friend stayed here several times with her family. She recently passed away, and he told me that when things became tough for her, she would ask to hear running water so she could feel as if she were back at the mill with her family. It was the place where she felt the happiest in her final years.

Do you have recommendations for guests to make the most of their holiday? Your valuable tips will be shared on the accommodation’s page!

Go to the market in Thiviers on Saturday (and sometimes on Wednesday during the season) to buy the most delicious products, which will ensure continuous cooking and dining pleasure for the days ahead. And remember: doing nothing here is perfectly fine too!