An old watermill in a green setting

A little bit of history...

In 51 BC, long before the mill was built, the final battle of Gaul against Julius Caesar took place at Uxellodunum.
On the land where the mill was later built, Roman encampments surrounded the oppidum directly opposite, where the Gauls had taken up defensive positions.

According to historical records, the mill dates back to the 14th century… At that time, the mill consisted only of the tower. It was then part of the Cistercian monks’ grange at Aubazine. The mill then became the property of the Viscountcy of Turenne, and a miller named Antoine Graneyrie obtained the right to use it, as well as the right to fish, in return for a tribute consisting of a quarter of the fish caught and 100 eels.
Documents dating from 1730 mention a certain Gabrielle Graneyrie, owner of the mill, along with her husband. This same family therefore lived at the mill for nearly 300 years, after which it became the property of wealthy families based in Martel.

From then on, the mill produced wheat flour until around 1920, then in the 1950s a sawmill was established there, using water power to drive the machinery. Clogs were manufactured there.

By the 1970s, the mill was in a state of serious disrepair; the Besson family, who purchased it, restored it to its former glory following a complete renovation.

Then, in 1996, new owners bought the neighbouring plot and built a swimming pool area there, thereby enhancing the facilities and creating a space for relaxation.

Finally, in 2015, we acquired the mill. With a few alterations and whilst respecting the character of this beautiful building, we converted it into a guest house.

And now...

Thanks to a series of renovations, refurbishments and new additions, we are now able to welcome you in comfort to our home.

We welcome you to five bedrooms, each with its own unique atmosphere. From the elegant Royal Room to the Romantic Room, from the Gauguin Room with its island-inspired colours to the cosy Red Room, not forgetting the Tower Room with its majestic timber beams.

Breakfast is served in our large dining room, where high ceilings, a monumental fireplace, a grand chandelier, period furniture and exposed stonework blend harmoniously.

On the first floor, a small lounge is available for you to relax and read. It is equipped with a TV, a games console and a DVD player. Board games for all ages will also allow you to share some pleasant moments together.

This is how you will discover our Moulin today...

Watercolour of the mill during the sawmill era

1950 – The silhouette of the mill (in the background) can be seen behind Saint-Denis-Près-Martel station.

1970 – The mill before its restoration

1976 – The mill undergoing restoration