The Moulin at St Cyr Des Gats was built in 1885 and provided local people and businesses with flour for many years. In 1975 the original workings were removed and the building was changed from a working Windmill into what can only be very loosly termed a residence. The Moulin was put up for sale and remained without a buyer for approximately five years. During a big storm in 1999, one set of the sails was blown off and the Windmill looked to be in a sorry state.
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I purchased the mill in June 2001, and the long arduos process of renovating it began. Initially the plan was to just update it, however after further inspection, it became apparent that the internal woodworking was too decayed and could not be saved.
The interior was removed entirely and it was interesting to be able to see from the basement up into the roof area. Specialist tradesmen had to be located, as the unusual shape of the rooms had to be taken into consideration. It most certainly was not a job for the faint hearted! New Oak flooring was laid throughout the upper floors, after the mill stone was removed. The interior walls had to be cleaned and all loose render removed before they could be redone with traditional Lime mortar.
Three years after the commencement of the work, the new roof was started. Despite the Vendee being littered with derelict Windmills, there are no longer many dedicated roofing contractors that can deal with round buildings and materials such as hand made wooden tiles!
The delay caused many problems, not least, the loss of grant funding.... nevertheless, new chestnut roof tiles were put on during the heatwave of 2003.
The Moulin received a new exterior coat of lime render in October 2008 and is now looking all sparkly as she did in her youth!
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