Les Davis
Les Davis
Ancient Water mill----- The tale of the the rebuilding of a self catering holiday cottage in Limousin
This is the tale of a 700 year old Water Mill which has become a holiday home deep in the French countryside.Here we have one of a series of articles about the history and detailing the environment of Le Moulin Chez Lord, France 23430.
When the water mill was built the Limousin part of France was controlled by the British forces. The mill was built in about 1279 and the local commander of the garrison lived in a house alongside a bridge over the river Beraude. Since he was a member of the English gentry the bridge became known as Le Pont de Chez Lord meaning literally ---- The Bridge by the House of the Lord.
Le Moulin de Chez Lord (which means The Mill of the House of the Lord) was built close by the house. It was needed to mill the flour to bake bread to feed the soldiery and also to prepare the oats for the horses. Do not forget that this was long before the arrival in Europe of the potato and bread was the main source of carbohydrate. The mill was still in use until the 1980s when it prepared cattle feed. The mill is now a holiday cottage in the region of France known as the Limousin.
Now venturing towards the East there is the Massive Central which is a mountainous area now famous for skiing in the winter. Turning now towards the west a short trip takes you to Limoges very famous for its porcelain manufacture and traveling the coastal city of La Rochelle the largest fishing center in the Bay of Biscay. This very interesting city is now also a holiday resort and a major center for sea food.
The region known as the Limousin is a new one on the tourist scene it was for many years a typically French holiday region however the secret is now out. It is a region of forests, grasslands, hills and valleys with picturesque hamlets nestled in the valleys. The area contains hundreds of rivers in the many valleys which make for spectacular scenery. Most rural activities are readily available. Especially interesting amongst these are the delightful walks of every degree of difficulty thus suiting all abilities and levels of enthusiasm.
The ancient watermill is 700 years old, and was constructed to supply flour for English military who were deployed here to look after the English wine interests around Bordeaux. The watermill is hidden in the valley and includes 20 acres of pasture and woodland. The water mill is at the end of a long drive which ensures privacy.
The river Beraude and the mill stream almost surround the mill and just a few meters from the front door is a waterfall which was the overspill for the mill pool. The river runs through the farm and encloses a tiny island with several trees that is perfect for relaxing on those very hot days since there always is a wind coming off the river. We also frequently have parties and barbecues there on summer afternoons.
The granary of the mill has now been made into two double bedrooms en suite and the old mill into a living area with kitchen, lounge etc. There is a shaded patio area by the waterfall which is perfect for outside dining or for having a glass of wine in the long summer evenings.
Since we are lucky enough live in the center of a very historic region and in the most beautiful countryside, in future we will further explore the area and describe the many attractions.
About the Author
I am a retired English University Professor now living in France where I am restoring a 700 year old water mill.
Visit------- Ancient Water mill --- now Self Catering Holiday Cottage
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