Old Flour Mill Converted into Artist Colony, In the Countryside but Close to Paris – Fère-en-Tardenois, France – $275,350

Due to its abundant flow, the small river enabled the 19th century to develop a local milling industry. This flour mill, a long family business passed down from father to son, was particularly productive until the 1980s. Closed during the decade, the astonishing building is the last to survive today on this site. All concrete and brick, it stands at the exit of a small city, at the bend of a bend. Nearby, the countryside reigns supreme. On the upper part of the facade are written the date of 1920 and the words "Moulin Canard". The roof is formed by a set of solid terraces. With its beautiful volumes and numerous glazed openings, the place was taken over in the early 90s by a Parisian company of shows. Its members have experienced a life project focused on artistic creation in a rural environment. — Old Flour Mill Converted into Artist Colony, In the Countryside but Close to Paris – Fère-en-Tardenois, France – $275,350

Happy Thursday, Escapists! A 19th Century flour mill, abandoned in the 1980s, then used as an artist’s colony for dance and performing arts for 20 years! In the countryside but only 90 minutes to Paris.

I spent this morning watching videos of people in Italy playing music to each other from balconies to lift each other’s spirits and was deeply touched. This is a strange and scary time but art can remind us of beauty and unity even if we are far apart. I chose this property to represent what we can achieve, a community creating beauty together. Sending love to you today wherever you are.

From the listing on Patrice Besse, translated from French:

Due to its abundant flow, the small river enabled the 19th century to develop a local milling industry. This flour mill, a long family business passed down from father to son, was particularly productive until the 1980s. Closed during the decade, the astonishing building is the last to survive today on this site. All concrete and brick, it stands at the exit of a small city, at the bend of a bend. Nearby, the countryside reigns supreme. On the upper part of the facade are written the date of 1920 and the words “Moulin Canard”. The roof is formed by a set of solid terraces. With its beautiful volumes and numerous glazed openings, the place was taken over in the early 90s by a Parisian company of shows. Its members have experienced a life project focused on artistic creation in a rural environment.
Although close to Paris and easy to access, the region displays prices unrelated to those of the capital in terms of real estate. Proof of this is this extraordinary building, both imposing and discreet, which offers at an attractive cost what to install one or more activities in volumes whose potential is also far from being exhausted. Thus, the workers’ house forms a vast space which is currently unused. The old owner’s house, with its Art Deco elements and its faceted turret, would also deserve an ambitious renovation. The countryside is picturesque and the whole stands on a large plot a little away from a village with character, which will allow many projects to be carried out without the risk of annoying the neighborhood.