The Ancient Water Mill ---- A Chapter In The Reconstruction Of A Self Catering Holiday Cottage In

By Author: Tomandjoan
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This is a story of an ancient Water Mill which has become a holiday cottage hidden in the Creuse countryside. Here we have one of a collection of articles giving an account and detailing the environs of Le Moulin Chez Lord, France 23430.

When the mill was constructed the Limousin part of France was controlled by English forces. The mill was built in around the year 1280 and the regional commander of the garrison lived in a dwelling alongside the bridge over the river Beraude. As he was a member of the English aristocracy the locality became recognized 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 of the House of the Lord) was built close to the residence of the English milord. It was needed to grind the flour to bake bread to feed the soldiery and also to prepare the oats for the horses. It is easy to forget that the potato was not known in Europe until the middle of the 15th century. Thus the erection of the mill was long before the arrival in Europe of the spud and bread was a most important constituent ...
... of most meals. The mill had been working for three hundred years before the potato first arrived from South America and slowly became a part of the European diet. This is why for even a small semi-permanent occupying force it was vital to have a dependable source of flour.

In order to explain the period when the water mill was built into perspective we can explain that it was the thirteenth century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine south of Bordeaux in 1189. So the mill started life in the era of the crusaders and Robin Hood in England. The importance of King Richard and his connection to the area will be reviewed at another time.

In Europe it was the epoch of the beginnings of The Little Ice Age. The Thames in London froze over on some occasions and the Scandinavians withdraw from the settlements in Iceland as the ice cap crept south. Our sun was less hot and the Earth was plunged into a Little Ice Age which persisted for some 500 years finishing in the middle of the nineteenth century. Crops failed regularly during this period ... so much for NOW being a period of unique weather change. Throughout Europe the temperature was some 2 degrees below the current average so here at the watermill in winter it was colder and no doubt wetter than at the moment which gives me sympathy for our predecessors.

The mill was operational until the 1980s when it ground cattle meal. The mill cottage has now been altered into a holiday cottage in this region of France called the Limousin.

Now venturing eastwards you come to the Massive Central which is a much higher region now famous for skiing. If we now look towards the west a short journey brings one to Limoges, well known for its porcelain works and traveling further the coastal city of La Rochelle the largest sailing center in the Bay of Biscay. This very interesting resort is now also a holiday resort and a major center for yachting.

This region known as the Limousin is a new one on the tourist map as it was for many years a mainly French holiday area however the secret is now out. It is a district of trees, hills and valleys with many beautiful small villages sitting in the hillsides. The region contains thousands of rivers in the many valleys which results in superb scenes.

Most rural sports are easily available. Especially interesting amongst these are the wonderful bike rides of every level of exertion so suiting all capabilities and degrees of zeal.

The ancient watermill is 700 years old, and was made to supply wheat flour for English forces who were stationed in the area to guard over the English commercial interests centered in and around Bordeaux. The water mill is nestled in a valley and includes 10 hectares of pasture and woodland. The watermill is down a long drive which helps to give tranquility.

The river Beraude and the mill race almost encircle the water mill and only meters from the house is a cascade which was the overflow for the mill pool. The Beraude flows through the fields and surrounds a delightful island with group of large trees that is wonderful for sitting under on the hot days since there usually is a breeze coming off the river. Our friends also often have picnics and barbecues there on warm summer evenings.

The old granary of the mill is now transformed into two spacious bedrooms en suite and the downstairs on the ground floor into a living area. There is a shaded terrace by the cascade which is perfect for al fresco eating or for having a glass of wine on hot evenings.

As we are lucky enough to live in the center of a very historic area and in the beautiful surroundings, we would like in the future to relate to you articles in which we will further look at the area and portray the many attractions of the region.

Why not Google Earth us at Le Moulin Chez Lord, 23430 France and zoom on down and see us!

A retired English University Professor now living in France where he is restoring a 700 year old water mill. 

Visit------- Ancient Water mill Holiday Cottage