Spot the sculpted doves set in a wafer-brick circle above the entrance gate and you know you’re in the right place: Gaucin is on one of the migratory routes between Europe and Africa and all around the village are hand-painted plaques of the birds that stop by. This old olive mill stands in the centre of the delightful bustling village, producing oil until 1967. Subsequently bought by an English artist, it’s now owned by London-based Pip and Clinton, who have created a clutch of airy apartments around a funky heated pool, sheltered by stylish white canvas sails. Six of the apartments have their own terraces (petit Dancaire’s Den does not), brightened by bougainvillea and scented by jasmine, lemons and limes. Reminders of the past – presses, millstones, storage jars – blend serenely with white arches and Moorish décor. Bedrooms vary in size and shape but all are pristine and striking, with good beds, crisp cotton and raw silk. From the mill’s upper terraces you can gaze across the terracotta roofs to the Med and Morocco.
A beautiful setting with fantastic out of this world views from every window. Well equipped small house with lovely bedding and towels. We had excellent service we from a manager called Josephi, going out of her way to make us comfortable.