1988.In the heart of the Ardennes, the plateau surrounding Bastogne has always brought together the most important farms. This region allows for more extensive cereal crops and more profitable pastures. The farm we are visiting today dates from 1757. It represents a type of construction that was once very widespread. But many of them disappeared during the Battle of the Ardennes in the winter of 1944. The most striking characteristic is the separation of the dwelling from the stables and the barn. Here, as everywhere in the Ardennes, the schist constitutes the dominant material.Following an Ardennes habit, the new constructions were erected in dispersed order, depending on the space available and the configuration of the land.We are very far from the tight and rational organization of the quadrilaterals of Tournaisis or Hesbaye.The same gable wall houses the stables and the barn. The stables are downstairs, the barn upstairs. The first advantage of this system is that it makes the most of the space. This also helps prevent the crops from coming into contact with the ground in regions where winters are harsh: the barn is thus protected from humidity
Belgium
