May I relate the tale of an historic Water Mill which has become a holiday cottage hidden in the French countryside. Now I am relating one of a number of items relating the story of and detailing the region of Le Moulin Chez Lord, France 23430.
When the water mill was constructed the Limousin part of France was controlled by the British troops. The mill was built in around the year 1272 and the local commander of the garrison lived in a house alongside a bridge over the small river Beraude. As he was a member of the English gentry the locality became recognized 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 of the House of the Lord) was built close by the house of the English milord. It was required to mill the flour to bake bread to feed the troops and also to grind 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 a staple part of the European diet. This is why for even a small long term garrison it was obligatory to have a reliable source of flour.
To get the time when the water mill was built into some time scale we can explain that it was the thirteenth century, the time of Richard the Lionheart, who became King of England and Aquitaine in 1189. So the watermill was constructed in the time of the crusades and Robin Hood in England. The involvement of King Richard and his involvement locally will be looked at later.
In Europe it was the age of the beginnings of The Little Ice Age. The river Thames in London froze over in some winters and caused the Scandinavians to leave their settlements in Iceland as the ice cap crept south. The sun was less active and the Earth suffered a Little Ice Age that persisted for about five centuries ending 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 lower than the current 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 mill was still in use until the 1980s when it ground cow feed. The mill cottage has now been converted into a holiday cottage in this central part of France called the Limousin.
Now venturing towards the East you come to the Massive Central which is a mountainous sector now famous for winter sports. Turning now towards the west a brief journey brings one to Limoges, renowned for its porcelain works and going further still the coastal city of La Rochelle the largest sailing center in the Bay of Biscay. Thisfascinating place is now also a holiday resort and a major center for tourism.
This region called the Limousin is a new one on the tourist itinerary as it was for many years a typically French holiday region however the secret is now out. It is an area of mixed woods, hills and valleys with many charming hamlets resting in the valleys. The area contains thousands of lakes in the many valleys which gives exceptional scenes.
Most countryside activities are easily available. Especially important amongst these are the delightful walks of every level of effort thus suiting all capacities and levels of eagerness.
The historic mill is 700 years old, and was made to supply flour for English forces who were garrisoned in this part of France to maintain the English wine interests based in and around Bordeaux. The mill is nestled in a valley and consists of 20 acres of grassland and woodland. The property is at the end of a 300 meter driveway which ensures tranquility.
The river Beraude and the mill race almost surround the watermill and only steps from the house is a waterfall which was the overspill for the mill pool. The river runs through the garden and forms a delightful island with several pine trees that is wonderful for relaxing on those very hot days since there usually is a breeze off the river. We also frequently have parties and barbecues down there warm summer afternoons.
The upstairs part of the watermill has now been converted into two double bedrooms en suite and the downstairs into a living area with kitchen, lounge etc. There is a shaded patio by a waterfall which is perfect for al fresco dining or for enjoying a glass of wine on warm evenings.
As we are fortunate enough to live in the center of this most interesting area and in the most beautiful countryside, we would like in the future to give you articles in which we will further explore the area and describe the various features of the area.
Why not Google Earth us at Le Moulin Chez Lord, 23430 France and zoom on down.
Martin Wynn
