BESANCON, Franche-Comté 25000

RENOVATED 18TH-CENTURY MILL, IN RIOZ On the outskirts of the small town of Rioz, set back from the centre in a preserved setting, this 18th-century mill is nestled within a landscape shaped by water and light. The living area rises above the inlet channel and the axis of the old wheel, now encased in glass, whilst the colourful spaces flow seamlessly across three levels. Outside, the grounds, traversed by the river, naturally extend this sensitive relationship with the local landscape. AN INTERIOR INSPIRED BY THE MILL'S HISTORY In Rioz, this mill, restored between 2013 and 2023, finds its balance in an environment shaped by the movement of water. The river runs alongside the property, crosses it and immediately reveals its structure, like a defining line around which the whole complex is organised. The ground floor accommodates the essential functions with precision, including the garage, laundry room, boiler room and technical areas, as well as the mill machinery directly connected to the supply canal, which has now been brought up to standard. The water rights, legally established, anchor the site in a rare continuity, hinting at the possibility of setting the wheel in motion once more. Upon entering, the spaciousness of the hall invites a moment of respite. A room now dedicated to sport fits discreetly within this space, whilst a staircase with a bold design leads naturally to the upper floors. A MODULAR INTERIOR FOR EVERYONE On the main floor, the layout is clearly organised around a central mezzanine. The living areas are situated on one side, open and airy, whilst the sleeping quarters are on the other, in a more intimate atmosphere. The living area, spanning over eighty square metres, forms a fluid sequence linking the kitchen, dining room, lounge and office space. The three-sided fireplace forms its heart, radiating a warm presence that extends out onto the south-facing terrace. Below, the axis of the old wheel, preserved under glass, imbues daily life with a unique depth, bridging memory and contemporary use. Three bedrooms are situated on this level, in the sleeping area, accompanied by a dressing room, a bathroom and a toilet, in a balanced layout. The top floor, fitted out in 2022, extends this concept with two additional bedrooms and their en-suite bathroom, offering a layout suited to multiple uses. Family, guests or plans to host visitors find a natural place here, in a house designed to evolve with its occupants. BETWEEN LANDSCAPE AND FUNCTION The 5,848 m² plot unfolds around the mill in a composition where nature becomes an integral part of the living experience. The river runs through the property, flows towards a pond and shapes ever-changing views. Light accompanies every moment of the day, revealing in turn the materials, reflections and lines of the building. In keeping with this, the outdoor spaces extend the home's functionality. The steel-trough roof accommodates 240 m² of photovoltaic panels, whose output forms part of daily life whilst generating a significant annual income from the resale of electricity. Thermal comfort is provided by an Atlantic air-to-water heat pump, supplemented by reversible air conditioning on the top floor. In the immediate vicinity, Rioz offers a comprehensive living environment with shops, schools from nursery to secondary level, a medical centre and a leisure park; whilst Besançon, its TGV station and Vesoul remain accessible in under twenty-five minutes, placing the property in a location that is as practical as it is inspiring. AGENCY'S OPINION This mill asserts a unique identity, enhanced by the constant presence of water and a renovation carried out with consistency. The axis of the wheel visible beneath the living area, the layout across several levels and the five bedrooms open the way to varied uses, in tune with different lifestyles. The technical choices?from the water rights to the energy systems and recent upgrades?contribute to a well-managed whole, the qual