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Intro
La Maison du Rail invites you
to step into a piece of living history.
Nestled on the former railway line between Montmorillon and La Trimouille, our charming cottage was originally built for the railway guardians who kept road and rail traffic safe. These small houses were placed at every crossing, including this one, where the road met the tracks. The role of the garde barrière was crucial: they lived on-site, ready to lower the barriers whenever a train approached, ensuring the safe passage of both train and travelers.
Today, the trains no longer pass, and the tracks have been removed. In their place, a quiet path invites you to walk all the way to La Trimouille in one direction or Journet in the other—tracing the route of the old railway. Along the way, you’ll spot the blue metal plaques that once marked the line’s progression. Our house is number 11; head towards Journet and you’ll find number 10, and so on.
The job of the garde barrière was both essential and demanding. Often performed by war veterans or disabled individuals, it came with great responsibility. The guardian received only a small salary and lived in the house rent-free. Armed with little more than a timetable and a lantern, they had to be ready for each and every train—day or night, rain or shine. If a train was late, they were required to keep the barriers down for a full hour and five minutes, just in case. They were also prepared for emergencies, placing firecrackers on the tracks to warn incoming trains of any hazards ahead.
Imagine living a life where you could never stray far from home, where even a visit to the doctor required permission and perfect timing. Every year, each garde barrière had to travel—at their own expense—to Angoulême for a mandatory medical exam, careful to return in time for the next train.
While that era is long gone, the spirit of the railway lives on in this peaceful and historic retreat. La Maison du Rail offers a rare chance to stay in a home with a real story—one of duty, resilience, and quiet beauty.
Imagine living a life where you could never stray far from home, where even a visit to the doctor required permission and perfect timing. Every year, each garde barrière had to travel—at their own expense—to Angoulême for a mandatory medical exam, careful to return in time for the next train.
While that era is long gone, the spirit of the railway lives on in this peaceful and historic retreat. La Maison du Rail offers a rare chance to stay in a home with a real story—one of duty, resilience, and quiet beauty.
A little house with a big past – lovingly restored for your stay.
Come stay with us, and walk in the footsteps of history.
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Escape to tranquility with our cozy cottage, nestled in nature's embrace — perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
