The mill, which is believed to have been mentioned as early as the 12th century, appears definitively in a census from 1669, which states that the lords of La Couture owned fishing rights in the Saint-Julien River, from "the Charot mill to the Desvay Bridge."
A table of land ownership from 1897 mentions that the Moulin du Chat Cros belonged at that time to Monsieur Alexandre, Count of Montaignac de Chauvance, Knight of Malta.
The mill underwent several reconstructions, most notably in 1737, the date inscribed at the entrance to the building. Following the collapse of the waterwheel shaft, all activity had to be halted in 1953 and the building gradually fell into ruin until it was purchased in 1965 by General Jean and Mrs. Monique Bolle: They began major restoration work, which continued in 1998 when ownership of the mill passed to its current owners, Leonard Tondel and Marian Owen-Tondel, using traditional methods and local and recycled materials.
The mill, built along a millstream, consists of a wooden frame that serves as a belfry. Above this are the millstones, a level that now serves as an exhibition hall for local artisans and a venue for meetings, seminars, birthday parties, etc. The upper attic was probably once equipped with a sack hoist mechanism and is now used by the people of Creuse to display their old farming tools. The remarkable roof structure is visible here.
While restoration work continues, visits are by appointment only.
Contact: Leon or Marian Phone: +33 (0)5 55 65 55 92
Email: LeonardTondel@aol.com