The History of the Moulin
A journey into the past
Moulin Sainte-Marie originated from a textile project intended to use the power of the Canche. As the river flow became unreliable after dry summers, the project was established in Frévent. The building, already constructed in 1856, was later taken over by a member of Olivier’s family, who installed a mill to process grain produced by the many surrounding farmers, with a bakery occupying part of the buildings.
Nicolas Fatien, Olivier’s great-grandfather, was the miller from the 1920s until after the Second World War. On retiring, he handed it over to his daughter Marie-Thérèse and her husband Victor Hecquet. Victor carried out major renovations to the machinery used for wheat preparation, grinding and sieving, and replaced bucket-chain transport between stages with pneumatic conveying through an airflow. Following Victor’s sudden death in 1976, the mill stopped operating; his widow remained there until her death in 2016.
Olivier, Stéphanie and their children moved in and carried out major renovation work on the building and its surroundings, always with the aim of preserving the historic and family character of the place.
Whether you come for one night, a few days in a Bed & Breakfast room, a stay with friends or a family gathering, Moulin Sainte-Marie offers several ways to enjoy the property.
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Tel.: 06.77.10.22.07