A 19th century Water mill situated in Le Berry on the borders of 3
departments. The creuse(23) , the Indre(36) and the Cher(18) in the sleepy
little commune of Vigoulant right in the centre of France. Set in a gentle
valley with only the sound of the millstream to break the silence,this is George
Sands country "La Vallee Noire" and the rolling, heavily wooded countryside has
changed little since her era.
The Mill ceased production in 1924 and its door wasn't re-opened until Doreen and Geoff Watkins arrived in 2003 and began the extensive renovation project. Geoff , a professional builder has experience on conservation sites in England and has sympathetically retained many of the mill's original features so nothing of historical significance has been removed including the cogs and mill stones. The Mill pond had sprung many leaks and would often dry up completely during droughts, but this has been successfully repaired and has an impressive cascade tumbling over the edge. The adjoining Mill house has been converted to provide 1 twin and 3 double rooms all with en suite shower rooms. Each has been lovingly decorated by Doreen a professional natural history illustrator and interior designer and features murals and painted furniture reflecting the beautiful Berrichone surroundings.
