- Interior
Located in the heart of Perche Sarthois, Le Moulin is a haven that embraces two major contemporary themes: travel and beauty. Somewhere between design and art, without rules or restrictions, the rooms of this residence give life to an elegant and timeless atmosphere. More than that, they reopen the dialogue between the past and the present.
Since 2010, architect Lucas Madani, co-founder of the design and architecture studio Hauvette & Madani, has been creating residential projects and high-end hotels in Paris, which he signs with refined and elegant interiors, always tinged with a patina. Together with Samantha Hauvette, he forms a creative duo that pursues a clear dialogue between vintage and contemporary influences. While the two architects completely renovated the building in the Perche Sarthois, Marine Gabily, with years of experience in the clothing business as a communications manager, took charge of the selection of carefully found objects and the masterly handling of fashionable trends. Thus, their latest project resulted in an idyllic accommodation decorated with antique pieces and collectors' furniture, some of which can even be bought by guests.
To create the perfect country house in the midst of nature, their first thoughts immediately turned to wabi-sabi and minimalism. The co-owners therefore drew inspiration from Shaker traditions to redesign the interiors, which were furnished with a unique selection of antiques and furniture. Le Moulin is a place where time stands still and authenticity is the common thread. Before the designer duo decided to give the property a much-needed makeover, it had been uninhabited for over a century. ‘We wanted to give it back its soul, awaken a spirit of cosiness,’ they say. But in doing so, the owners wanted to preserve the property's age-old heritage. Le Moulin is designed to be rented in its entirety and can accommodate ten to twelve guests. The floor plan looks like a small village with separate structures connected by a lush courtyard. ‘We wanted to create a cosy home where guests can feel the sophistication of a hotel,’ Madani explains. 
'We wanted to give it back its soul and awaken a spirit of conviviality’
Throughout the property, the interiors are immersed in earthy, muted tones with details such as vaulted walls, wood panelling and reconstituted marble. A large, central space was needed where guests could meet at different times of the day, but at the same time they wanted everyone to feel comfortable in their personal space. It is for this reason that they created hotel-like rooms, with their own bathrooms and facilities. The main building consists of a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, leading to the cosy living room. Furthermore, the four bedrooms of Le Moulin are intimate and comfortable, embracing the guests inside like a warm, woolen jumper. With its own entrance and bathroom, carpeted floors and second-hand Lita wall lights, the 1970s-inspired La Suite is a soft, sunlit sanctuary where white and light are the protagonists. La Bergerie, a former sheepfold now serving as a 237-square-metre guesthouse, is the crowning glory of the property. 
This refuge, located in the lushest of surroundings on no less than two hectares, has for three centuries been part of the historical heritage of the very unspoilt region. Nature is emphasized together with authenticity. Moreover, this project was designed in a spirit of conviviality. It is an exceptional place with unique and elegant interiors that offers the promise of poetic stay, in accordance with the wishes of its founders.
Do you want to know more about Le Moulin? Read the full article in Imagicasa Autumn 2022.
Images courtesy of Hauvette & Madani, photography by Lucas Madani