In February 2010, research in Berry led us by chance to the gates of Etangsannes. We were immediately charmed despite Siberian temperatures.  As rational people, we planned our project.

Clearly, we had no historical or management skills to take on this venture. Nor did we have the technical knowledge of building restoration, horticulture, or even of how to deal with the authorities to get help. We didn't have the financial means, and even if we did, there was no business model to justify such investments.

And then we remembered the words that Jacques Brel sang: " Le monde sommeille par manque d’imprudence ". So, humbly, we took over Etangsannes.

Today, we are proud to present you with the results of years of hard work.

We have researched in the Archives Départementales and the Bibliothèque Départementale de Guéret, in the Archives Nationales and in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. We worked with historians well known for medieval history of the Limousin. Thus, based on old documents, we were able to retrace the history of the site since the early Middle Ages.

The tired rooves were restored, but not in one go. We had to do several stages because the budget for the rooves of the barns alone is estimated at one million euros. The remaining rooves are planned, an essential work to avoid the disappearance of buildings that have existed for several hundred years.

The most important walls have been rebuilt.

The interiors have been cleared of the cement plaster that was choking the stones, decorated and furnished according to the finds from antique shops or auction rooms.

The park was renewed. Sick or dangerous trees and plants were cut down and replaced.

The vegetable garden has been recreated. Lines of fruit trees have been planted. They alternate with hedges of currant and blackcurrant trees. The interior of the spaces thus created is planted with potatoes, lettuce or pumpkins, allowing us to be almost self-sufficient in fruit and vegetables.

The adventure continues. There is still at least fifty years of work to do. In particular, we are looking for skills and financial resources to restore the second watchtower that once flanked the fortified barn and the painted Renaissance ceilings. We also want to gradually convert the farm buildings to improve the reception area for visitors.

The future holds many surprises. For example, we know from the inventories of three hundred years ago that a cellar existed. We are looking for the entrance. What will we find there? Lamartine's question is relevant in Etangsannes: " Objets inanimés, avez-vous donc une âme qui s’attache à notre âme et la force d’aimer ? "

 Come and see for yourself!