Labarde History

Labarde started as a working farm.  Arable crops and dairy cattle provided for the family who lived in the main farm house which, at that time, was a single storey house with large hay loft. The whole family lived in the main area of the house with its open fire and oven, using wood from the forest for heating and cooking. It was converted to a two storey house in the 1970s.

The barns, which are now the cottages, were originally restored in 1948 after the original building had fallen into disrepair. This was part of the rebuilding of France's agriculture after the Second World War. The new barn provided milking sheds and hay lofts as well as a small dairy for processing milk for market.

The long barn is the oldest of the buildings on the site and is being renovated to provide a spacious home for Paul, Anna and Lucie.

Our nearest neighbours at the top of the drive are Hubert and Alice. Hubert was born in the farmhouse and farmed the land with his family. They are pleased with our restoration efforts and keep regular checks on our progress.