A possible reason to visit this place is the restaurant: the food was indeed good. However it was not cheap and the pricey 12 euro (for example) supplement on a 38 euro 'formule' for the simple rack of lamb seems totally unjustified. The service was attentive if a little slow. The tables all had old used candles and no flowers, the cutlery had seen better days but the table linen was clean. The atmosphere in the converted mill dining room was dark. This is a family operation, and it shows. The wine list is exploitative: most items are priced between 100 and 4000!! euros a bottle and there were just three very mediocre items under 30 euros. Breakfast was fine: croissant, coffee and fruit.

The location of the mill is picture perfect. The pool is heated to a good 27C but the pool furniture was old, tired and needs to be replaced. The pool itself also shows wear and tear but was clean. The smelly grey frayed pool towels need to be thrown away and replaced. The mill garden had some dying flowers but the lawns had been mown. The canoes for kids exist but its jetty had collapsed into the river.

The entry to the mill hotel smells stale and musty but the first floor rooms smelt ok once the windows were thrown open. Nearly all the staff smoke and are not fully diligent about doing so outside: I saw the patron smoking in the kitchen – unacceptable these days. Our room had had a makeover a few years ago: it was clean, tidy, reasonably appointed but tired and shabby. For instance the window paintwork was decaying, the bathrrom grouting was grey and had obvious gaps. The TV was old. The stair carpets are frayed. There is no carpet underlay in the bedroom. We were able to get WiFi (just) in the bedroom.

The staff (family) want to help. They printed out local walks for us on their computer, wished to engage and at breakfast supplied grapefruit when asked. English is spoken and there is hope for the future in that one of the sons is to marry a young lady with a hotel management qualification.

The chateau itself is odd – a relic. A short walk around inside and out shows it trapped in a timewarp needing a huge investment to bring it up to modern levels to justify the room pricing. The lawns were mowed but the gardens were in decay. The tennis court hadnt been swept, ts fencing had holes but it could have been used. The chateau has riding stables which seem to be popular locally. We were delighted not to be lodged at the chateau but down the hill. To describe this as a quality chateau experience is simply wrong. Even the reception had a notice to go down to the mill to book in.

We ourselves would not return nor recommend it to others till this place had received the renewal investment it needs despite the good food. The pricing is sinply not warranted neither for the rooms, nor the meal nor the wine. Do not be fooled by the slick website. Our bill for two nights half board was 600 euros!