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The Very Ancient Water Mill —- The Chronicle Of The Modernization Of A Self Catering Holiday Cottage Lost In Limousin, France
Now we can tell a tale of 700 year old mill which now is a holiday cottage hidden in the French countryside. Here we have one of a number of articles giving an account and detailing the area of Le Moulin Chez Lord, France 23430.
When the water mill was constructed the Limousin region of central France was ruled by British soldiery. The mill was built in around the year 1273 and the local commander of the garrison lived in a dwelling alongside the bridge over the river Beraude. Since he was a member of the British nobility the area became known as Le Pont de Chez Lord which means literally —- The Bridge of the House of the Lord.
Le Moulin de Chez Lord (which means The Mill by the House of the Lord) was built close by the house of the English milord. It was necessary to grind the flour to prepare bread to feed the troops and also to mill the oats for the horses. It is easy to forget that the humble spud did not arrive in France until very roughly 1450. Thus the building of the water mill was very much earlier than the introduction into Europe of the potato and bread was was on every table. The mill had been in use for three centuries before the potato first arrived from South America and slowly became a staple part of the English diet. This is why for even a small semi-permanent occupying force it was obligatory to have a trustworthy supply of flour.
To get the period when the water mill was first operated into some time scale we may explain that we are talking about the thirteenth century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine south of Bordeaux in 1189. So the water mill was constructed in the era of the crusades and Maid Marion in England. The importance of King Richard and his influence on the area around here will be discussed in another article.
In western Europe this was the time of the beginnings of The Little Ice Age. The Thames in London froze over in some winters and the northern Europeans withdraw from the outposts in Iceland as the polar ice came south. The sun was less active and the planet was submitted to a Little Ice Age which lasted about five centuries finishing in the mid 1850s. Crops failed regularly throughout this period … so much for NOW being a time of unique climatic changes. Here in France the temperature was some 2 degrees below the current average so here at the water mill in winter it was worse and no doubt damper than now which makes me feel sorry for our predecessors.
The water mill was still operational until the 1980s when it ground cattle feed. The cottage has now been changed into a holiday cottage in this area of France known as the Limousin.
Now going towards the East there is the Massive Central which is a mountainous region well known for skiing. If we now look towards the west a brief journey takes you to Limoges, well known for its porcelain factories and going further still the beautiful town of La Rochelle the largest seaside resort in the Bay of Biscay. This very interesting place is now also a holiday resort and a major center for sightseeing.
The region known as the Limousin is a new one on the tourist itinerary as it was until recently a typically French holiday region however it is becoming well known. It is a district of pine trees, hills and dales with lots of beautiful small villages resting in the hillsides. The area contains thousands of streams in the many valleys which makes for spectacular scenery.
Most rural sports are readily accessible. Especially important among these are the stimulating walks of every degree of severity so appealing to degrees of skill and levels of eagerness.
The historic mill is 700 years old, and was built to prepare wheat flour for English military who were stationed in the area to guard the British wine interests centered around Bordeaux. The water mill is nestled in a valley and consists of 10 hectares of meadows and woods. The mill is found down a 300 meter road which provides privacy.
The river Beraude and the mill stream almost encircle the water mill and just paces from the house is a waterfall which was the overflow for the mill pool. The Beraude runs through the property and encloses a delightful island with several of large trees that is wonderful for sitting under on those hot times as it always has a wind coming off the water. We also regularly have parties and barbecues there on warm summer afternoons.
The old granary of the mill is now converted into two double bedrooms with integral bathrooms and the workings on the ground level into a living area. The cottage has a vine covered patio by the waterfall which is perfect for al fresco dining or for enjoying a bottle or two of wine on summer evenings.
As we are fortunate enough to live in the center of a very interesting area and in the beautiful countryside, we would like in the future to give you stories in which we will continue to explore the area and describe the various attractions of the area.
Why not Google Earth us at Le Moulin Chez Lord, 23430 France and zoom on down and see us!
About the Author
A retired English University Professor now living in France where he is restoring a 700 year old water mill. Visit——-
France Self Catering Holiday Cottage: A secluded holiday home
or email tomandjoan@wanadoo.fr
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