Old Mill Washhouse
The Old Mill Washhouse, built in 1821 in the hamlet of Viel Moulin, is an open stone-and-wood lavoir with a central rectangular basin and a four-sided tiled roof. Once a communal laundry point, it reflects the village’s historic water-based life and remains a protected heritage structure.
The Old Mill Washhouse, constructed in 1821 and designed by architect Bernard Zolla, stands in the historic hamlet of Viel Moulin. This open-sided structure combines rubble-stone walls, wooden framing, and a four-sided roof covered with traditional flat tiles. At its center lies a large rectangular stone basin that once held water for communal washing, making the lavoir an essential social and practical meeting place. Its position in a mill-related hamlet highlights the area’s close connection to water and daily rural life.
All About the Washhouse
Structure of the washhouse
has a rectangular plan and is open on all four sides.
Walls
made of a mix of rubble stone and wood.
A rectangular stone basin at the center
used for washing water.
The roof
pavilion-style (four-sided) with flat tiles.
Gallery of the Washhouse
Location of the Washhouse
Sens Washhouse
Sens Washhouse is a semi-buried communal washhouse at the heart of the hamlet of Sens. Once a shared social space where villagers washed laundry and exchanged news.
Moats Washhouse
Moats Washhouse is a small washhouse built inside the former château’s moats, accessed by a stone staircase. Originally open-air, it later received a simple wooden-post roof.
Ruffey Washhouse
Ruffey Washhouse is a small rural wash-house set below the road near the old Château de Ruffey. With its square plan, stone basin, and adjoining fountain, it once served as a gathering place where villagers came to wash laundry and share daily news.