Le Moulin, a haven of peace for families: meet Marine, the founder

1 - Can you tell us the story of the Moulin de Bellequeue? What drew you to this place and how did the project come about?

We were looking for a country house two hours from Paris — a place of our own, where we could spend weekends, create memories and welcome our loved ones. And then we came across Le Moulin. It was love at first sight: a cluster of buildings nestled in the hollow of a valley, crossed by a river, with no noise disturbance, no neighbours — just the sound of water and birds. A simple, natural, almost raw luxury. Here, life follows the rhythm of the seasons; you slow down, you reconnect with yourself.

2 - What do you love most about life at the Moulin?

The immediate disconnection that happens the moment you step inside. In stark contrast to the Parisian rhythm, here I wake up without knowing what I'm going to do — I tinker, rearrange a piece of furniture, tend to the garden… Simple gestures that are tangible, visible and satisfying.

3 - In what ways has this place been designed to welcome families?

The Moulin is first and foremost our home — it's also a place where our friends and family come with their children. It was designed and equipped with that in mind, so naturally it works just as well for our guests. My goal is to lighten the mental load of parents as much as possible. Everything is here: baby monitors, travel cots, Minois products, all kinds of games… By being well equipped, our guests have more quality time to enjoy as a family.

4 - You are the proud parents of Liv, aged 2. How did you find your balance between family life and your professional project?

Liv is our most beautiful project! After a long four-year IVF journey during which we armed ourselves with patience, it was very important for us to make our professional projects — which drive and inspire us — coexist with truly being present for her. I took a professional break for 15 months and kept Liv at home. It's hard to do, but you tell yourself that you have to learn to let go. Fortunately, we're quite productive — we get through a substantial workload quickly — and thanks to good organisation we manage our priorities so we can enjoy Liv to the fullest. I'm not saying it's easy; it took time to find the right balance.

5 - Liv took part in our shoot for the LUGO bed. What memory do you hold from that day?

It was a lovely day and the team was really great. Since Lucas is also a designer, it was a true pleasure for him to see this approach applied to children's furniture. It's a double challenge to create objects that are at once practical, beautiful and safe.

6 - What is your approach to decoration at the Moulin? What are your influences?

We carried out the renovation with the expertise of the Hauvette & Madani agency, co-founded by my husband. We wanted to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, blending old and new, adding soft colours… Lucas has a particular affinity for noble materials — there is marble, for example, in the door frames, in the niches and also as skirting boards. I often say that I'm my husband's most demanding client, because I wanted it to be photogenic, robust and easy to live in! And then I added my personal touch through decorative objects found at flea markets, for instance. It was a true four-handed collaboration!

7 - What appealed to you about the world of Charlie Crane? A piece of furniture you fell in love with?

I discovered the brand during my pregnancy. Charlie Crane stands out for its very design-focused approach to children's furniture. That immediately won me over, as I wanted beautiful objects that were both practical and long-lasting. Since I work from home, I really need to surround myself with "beauty." I don't clutter my space with unnecessary pieces and I always choose with care. My favourite piece is the YOMI bed — its design brings me a lot of calm. As for Liv, she fell in love with the SABA chair. She settles into it with a book, makes up stories… I love watching her do that.

8 - You're soon opening a new venue, Solezane. Can you tell us a little more about it?

It's a house just 1 hour from Paris, so a little closer than the Moulin — perfect for our guests who wish to escape the capital in very little time. We designed it as a peaceful haven as well, once again thanks to the talent of the Hauvette and Madani agency, adorned with flea market finds. Our goal is to offer all the comfort of a hotel room but in the countryside. Opening expected at the end of September!

9 - What sets Solézane apart from the Moulin? What is your ambition for this new venue?

There isn't really a difference in the sense that it's a place that, like the Moulin, was designed for sharing moments as a family, with friends, for making memories and having a good time. Solézane will be a slightly smaller space (5 rooms compared to the Moulin's 6). Activities will also be organised there: breakfast basket delivery, yoga instructor, bicycles, and of course our favourite local addresses nearby…

10 - What would you like to pass on to Liv through your way of life and your projects?

I would like to pass on to her that one can live with less but better — in the sense that it's not necessary to own everything. I think this can be summed up by the importance of choosing a beautiful object with care. I realised I hadn't bought her a toy in a year! She has her toys, her everyday objects, a tricycle bought at a flea market — but we don't overconsume. I believe the environment we live in influences our well-being, so we might as well lighten it, enhance it, make it functional and pleasant to live in. Luxury is made of simple things. Finally, I would also like to pass on to her the art of perseverance. You can accomplish anything and have everything you desire, as long as you put your heart into it.