The history of Larosée, a site and roses...
The origins
The history of Larosée begins in the heart of the Montagnes de Thy protected area.
An ancient water mill, the Moulin de Thy, has been in operation since 1656.
In 1791, a Brabant square farmhouse was added to the ensemble.
In 2009, Carine and Christian Gosselin-Ausselet set about restoring the derelict estate and developing the cultivation of exceptional roses.
The mill
The Moulin de Thy was the "banal" mill of the seigneury of Thy.
A so-called "banal" or "ban mill".
This term comes from the Latin "bannum", meaning "jurisdiction" or "authority".
A banal mill was operated under the control of a feudal lord who held the exclusive right to grind the grain of the peasants living on his land.
Peasants were thus obliged to use the banal mill and pay royalties or taxes to the lord in exchange for this service.
Since the 17th century
On April 21, 1656, the lord of Thy leased the mill under a two-act lease. Around 1770, Ferraris's map shows two buildings positioned along the watercourse. It also shows the paddle-wheel symbol on the Dyle bypass.
The farm and the mill in 1912
The mill's activity was gradually replaced by that of the farm. The mill wheel was replaced by a turbine and generator to supply electricity to Thy castle, just a few hundred meters away.
The farm in 2009
The farm and mill had ceased to operate. The Dyle bypass that once fed the mill had been drained. The site was falling into disrepair and deserved better.
The mill in 2019
Renovation reflects our commitment to heritage preservation. It's always easier to do a good job when you believe in what you're doing.
The wheel turns
After long years of inactivity, the Thy mill is back in splendor, and the new wheel begins a new cycle, a symbol of rebirth.
A new crop of old roses
Old roses bring new life to the Montagnes de Thy site.
Back to the roots
It all started with fifteen rose plants.
We set out to find old roses with unique characteristics, most of which had been cultivated in our region since the 16th century.
The tests were conclusive: the roses took root in their new setting naturally, without the need for watering or artificial chemicals.
The roses
The history of perfume roses goes back many centuries.
Throughout history, roses have played an essential role in various cultures, symbolizing love, beauty and passion.
The Romans and Greeks were already using roses for cosmetic and medicinal purposes.
However, it wasn't until the late Middle Ages in Europe that fragrant roses began to be cultivated more systematically.
These roses gained in popularity during the Renaissance.
In the 17th century, roses were cultivated in botanical gardens and royal courts.
They were also used to produce rosewater and essential oils, which were used in perfumes and cosmetics.
The origin of gin
The origins of gin go back to the 17th century, in a territory then known as the Spanish Netherlands, which included part of today's Netherlands and Belgium.
It was a brandy originally developed as a medicine based on juniper, used for its medicinal properties.
This spirit was called 'Genever' and it was subsequently sold in England until 1688, when then the King of England, William III, decided to ban the importation of foreign spirits.
It was around this time that English distillers began producing a similar spirit, which they called "gin".
Today, gin is produced and consumed all over the world.
At Moulin de Thy, we've been planting juniper trees for a number of years to perpetuate the tradition of juniper in Belgium.
A tradition which is at the origin of all gins and Larosée gin in particular.
"The rose is without a why, but it is not without a reason."
Angelus Silesius,
German doctor, mystic and poet,
1624-1677