The Mystery Under the Stairs: Discovering an 1850s French Cellier
In the heart of rural Creuse in Clugnat, tucked away in my 1850s stone townhouse, lies a fascinating architectural feature that has both intrigued and challenged me since I moved here. It’s what the French call a “cellier” – a traditional storage room that served as the refrigerator of its day. Mine happens to be located under the stairway off my kitchen, and it harbors a peculiar feature: a floor made entirely of sand.
Key Takeaways: Cellier Sand Floor
Not a Floor at All
When I first opened the old wooden door to this space, I expected to find a typical stone floor. Instead, I discovered approximately 2.5 feet (75cm) of sand where solid ground should be. As someone who walks with a cane and has mobility challenges, this presents a significant obstacle – I literally cannot step into the space without risking being unable to get back out!
But this isn’t a construction error or the result of neglect. After researching local architectural history, I’ve learned that this sand floor was intentionally designed as part of an ingenious food preservation system.
Ingenious Traditional Engineering
The sand served multiple crucial functions:
- Temperature regulation: The mass of sand maintained a consistently cool environment
- Humidity control: Sand naturally manages moisture levels
- Drainage: Any excess moisture could drain away
- Food preservation: Root vegetables could be partially buried in the sand for extended storage
These celliers were engineering marvels that allowed rural families to preserve their harvest long before refrigeration existed. They were particularly important in regions like Creuse, where winters could be harsh and food security was paramount.
The Renovation Challenge
Now I face an interesting dilemma: how to honor this historical feature while making it actually usable for my modern needs. As a 76-year-old with mobility challenges, I need solid footing, but I don’t want to destroy the original purpose and functionality of this clever space.
My current plan involves:
- Carefully documenting the original state
- Removing some of the sand (keeping samples of the original)
- Installing drainage rocks and gravel layers
- Adding a breathable floor surface (perhaps reclaimed terracotta tiles)
- Creating proper storage that maintains the natural cooling properties
A Community Connection
What fascinates me most is how these celliers connected families and communities. Preservation knowledge was passed down through generations, with specific techniques for different foods and seasons. In times of hardship, communities would share storage space and preserved foods.
I’ve begun interviewing elderly neighbors about their memories of these spaces, collecting stories about how their grandmothers used the celliers, what they stored, and how they maintained them.
The Journey Begins
This renovation will be a slow process, especially given my mobility limitations, but I’m documenting each step. I’ve started a YouTube channel called “The Little Old Lady Who Could and Did and Does” where you can follow my progress.
Have you encountered traditional food storage spaces in old homes? How have you balanced preservation with practicality? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
