We have here a story of 700 year old mill which has become a holiday retreat hidden in the French countryside. Here we have one of a series of items giving an account and detailing the environment of Le Moulin Chez Lord Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Shirt , France 23430.
When the mill was built the Limousin part of central france was ruled by the British troops.锟?The mill was built in around the year 1275 and the regional commander of the garrison lived in a house alongside a bridge over the river Beraude. As he was a member of the British nobility the bridge became known as Le Pont de Chez Lord meaning literally锟?----锟?The Bridge by the House of the Lord.
Le Moulin de Chez Lord (which translates as The Mill by the House of the Lord) was built close to the residence of the English milord.锟?It was needed to prepare the flour to bake bread to feed the troops and also to prepare 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 working for 300 years before the potato first arrived from South America and slowly became part of the European diet. This is why for even a small long term garrison it was necessary to have a dependable source of flour.
To get the era when the water mill was constructed into perspective we can explain that it was the thirteenth century, the time of Richard the Lionheart Adam Lallana Shirt , who became King of England and Aquitaine in 1189. So the mill was built in the time of the crusades and Robin Hood in England. 锟絋he involvement of King Richard and his influence on the area around here will be looked at later.
In western Europe it was the time of the beginnings of The Little Ice Age. 锟絋he river Thames in London froze over in some winters and caused the Scandinavians to withdraw from their outposts in Iceland as the ice cap came south.锟?The sun was less active and the Earth suffered the Little Ice Age which lasted about five centuries finishing in the mid 1850s. Crops failed regularly throughout this time ...锟?so much for NOW being a time of unique climatic changes.锟斤拷 Throughout Europe 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 water mill was functioning until the 1980s when it prepared cattle meal. 锟絀t has now been altered into a holiday cottage in the region of France called the Limousin.
Now venturing eastwards there is the Massive Central which is a mountainous area well known for winter sports. 锟絋urning now towards the west a one hour trip brings one to Limoges, celebrated for its porcelain factories and traveling further the beautiful town of La Rochelle the largest coastal resort in the Bay of Biscay.锟?Thisfascinating city has become also a holiday resort and an important center for sightseeing.
This area called the Limousin is a relatively new one on the tourist map as it was for many years a mainly French holiday region however the secret is now out.锟?It is a region of trees Alberto Moreno Shirt , hills and valleys with many charming hamlets sitting in the hillsides. 锟絋he neighborhood contains thousands of waterways in the many valleys which gives spectacular views.
Most outside sports are easily available. 锟紼specially interesting amongst these are the delightful bike rides of every degree of difficulty thus suiting all abilities and levels of enthusiasm.
The ancient mill is 700 years of age, and was constructed to grind wheat flour for English troops who were stationed in the area to maintain the British commercial interests based around Bordeaux. The water mill is hidden in a valley and consists of 20 acres of pasture and woods. The water mill is at the end of a long driveway which results in tranquility.
The river Beraude and the mill stream almost encircle the water mill and just a few yards from the cottage is a waterfall which was the overspill for the mill pool. The Beraude flows through the garden and isolates a little island with several trees that is wonderful for sitting on those hot days because there always is a breeze off the river.锟?We also frequently have parties and barbecues down there hot summer days.
The upstairs of the watermill has now been transformed into two double bedrooms en suite and the old mill into a living area with kitchen Daniel Sturridge Shirt , lounge etc. 锟絋here is a shaded area by a waterfall which is ideal for outside dining or for having a bottle on warm evenings.