An ancient Watermill ---- Anecdotes on the construction of a self catering holiday cottage hidden in Limousin, France.
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We have here the story of an ancient Water Mill which now is a holiday cottage hidden in the Limousin countryside. Now I am relating one of a number of items giving an account and detailing the surroundings of Le Moulin de Pont de Chez Lord, France 23430.
When the water mill was constructed the Limousin area of France was controlled by the British troops. The mill was built in around the year 1273 and the local commander of the garrison lived in a house alongside the bridge over the small river Beraude. Since he was a member of the British aristocracy the area became known as Le Pont de Chez Lord meaning literally ---- The Bridge of the House of the Lord.
Le Moulin de Chez Lord (which translates as The Mill by the House of the Lord) was constructed close to the house of the English milord. It was required to make 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 potato did not arrive in France until the middle of the 15th century. Thus the building of the mill was long before the arrival in Europe of the potato and bread was the main source of carbohydrate. The mill had been in operation for 300 years before the potato first arrived from South America and eventually became part of the European diet. This is why for even a small permanent garrison it was vital to have a dependable supply of flour.
To get the period when the water mill was built into perspective we should explain that it was the 13th century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine in 1189. So the water mill was built in the time of the crusades and Robin Hood in England. The story of King Richard and his involvement locally will be looked at in another article.
In Europe it was the time of the start of The Little Ice Age. The river Thames in London froze over in some winters and caused the northern Europeans to withdraw from their outposts in Iceland as the ice cap moved south. The sun was less active and the Earth suffered a Little Ice Age that persisted for some 500 years ending in the mid 1850s. Crops regularly failed throughout this era ... so much for NOW being a time of unique climatic changes. Here in France the temperature was some 2 degrees below the modern average so here at the watermill in winter it was even colder and no doubt damper than now which makes me feel sorry for our predecessors.
The water mill was still being used until the 1980s when it ground animal meal. The cottage has now been converted into a holiday cottage in the area of France called the Limousin.
Now going eastwards you come to the Massive Central which is a mountainous sector now famous for winter sports. If we now look towards the west a short journey takes you to Limoges, very famous for its porcelain factories and traveling further the coastal town of La Rochelle the largest coastal resort in the Bay of Biscay. Thisfascinating place is now also a holiday resort and an important center for boating.
The area known as the Limousin is a relatively new one on the tourist itinerary as it was for many years a mainly French holiday region however the secret is now out. It is a locale of trees, hills and valleys with many picturesque hamlets sitting in the valleys. The area contains thousands of lakes in the many valleys which gives superb views.
Most open-air sports are readily available. Especially prominent amongst these are the stimulating bike rides of every degree of difficulty thus suiting all capabilities and levels of zeal.
The historic mill is 700 years of age, and was made to prepare flour for English forces who were deployed locally to oversee the English wine interests centered around Bordeaux. The water mill is nestled in a valley and consists of 20 acres of grassland and woods. It is at the end of a long drive which helps to give tranquility.
The river Beraude and the mill stream almost surround the water mill and only meters from the cottage is a waterfall which was the runoff for the mill pool. The Beraude flows through the property and encloses a tiny island with several large trees that is perfect for relaxing on those very hot days because there always is a breeze from the river. We also regularly have picnics and barbecues down there hot summer afternoons.
The granary of the mill has now been transformed into two double bedrooms en suite and the downstairs into a living area with kitchen, lounge etc. There is a shaded terrace by the waterfall which is ideal for al fresco dining or for having a bottle on hot evenings.
Because we are fortunate enough to live in the center of a most historic region and in the most wonderful countryside, we would like in the future to give you articles in which we will further explore the area and portray the various attractions of the area.
Why not Google Earth us at Le Moulin Chez Lord, 23430 France and zoom on down. |
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Author Resource:-
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 Holiday CottageThe wonderful old mill is let during the summer to people who want a nice relaxing holiday. For more information visit http://www.moulinchezlord.com or telephone 0033555643029 or email tomandjoan@wanadoo.fr
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By :
Tom Davies
Submitted
2009-12-25 10:14:01 |
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