Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

Origin of the name Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

The farmhouse takes its name from the locality of Le Cachot, where it stands; the La Chaux-du-Milieu valley was formerly called « Chaux de Cachot ». The origin of the name is not explained in the sources consulted.

Founding of Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

The Grand-Cachot-de-Vent farmhouse stands at Le Cachot, on the south-facing side of the La Brévine valley, in the municipality of La Chaux-du-Milieu. The original building is a wooden double farmhouse built in 1530-1531, which housed two families in two separate dwellings and two farms, each with its own barn ramp and stable; most of the posts supporting the roof frame date from that time. Its builders are not known. A first mention in 1503 is also given (to be cross-checked). Typical of High Jura architecture, with a front gable, post-supported roof frame, shingle roof and large wooden chimney (the « tué »), it housed land-clearers, farmers, watchmakers, woodcutters and lacemakers.

History of Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

1503. First mention of the farmhouse (to be cross-checked).

1530-1531. Construction of a wooden double farmhouse for two families and two farms.

early 17th century. The wooden façades are replaced by stone walls; the kitchen of the south dwelling is enlarged and given a bread oven and a new « tué ».

18th century. The living quarters grow in importance; only the east part remains a working farm.

1954. The last family leaves.

1963. In winter the roof collapses; demolition seems inevitable.

1964. The ruined farmhouse narrowly escapes a fire drill; the Neuchâtel schoolteacher Pierre von Allmen brings together public figures, artists and heritage organisations, and a foundation is set up to restore it.

1968. Opening of the art gallery, which exhibits Paul Klee, Manessier, Picasso and Lermite among others.

1995. Last collective exhibition of the first period; the death of Pierre von Allmen closes this chapter.

2002. A bank tries to sell the farmhouse; residents of the region launch a rescue campaign, supported by the Loterie Romande.

2003. Celebration of the farmhouse's 500th anniversary with twenty Neuchâtel artists, concerts and regional products.

Historic sites in Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

Grand-Cachot-de-Vent farmhouse (Le Cachot 28). Farmhouse with a front gable and post-supported roof frame, listed in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property of National Significance (PBC 3983). The south façade gathers the entrances and windows of the dwellings; the barn ramp is on the uphill side. Each dwelling had a kitchen covered by a « tué » and a heated main room, and each farm a stable, a shed, a cellar, a granary and a barn, whose entrances are still visible in the walls.

The art gallery. Since 1968 the farmhouse has housed an art gallery and cultural space, open during exhibitions; the outside of the building can be seen at any time.

Remains in Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

16th-century roof frame. Most of the posts supporting the roof frame date from the construction of 1530-1531.

Sources

• Office fédéral de la protection de la population, Inventaire PBC, « Ferme du Grand-Cachot-de-Vent (Le Cachot 28) » (PBC 3983), d'après le Guide artistique de la Suisse (SHAS)
• Fondation de la Ferme du Grand-Cachot, « Histoire »
• Fondation de la Ferme du Grand-Cachot, page d'accueil
• Jura & Trois-Lacs, « Le Grand-Cachot-de-Vent Farm »
• Dictionnaire historique de la Suisse, « Chaux-du-Milieu, La » (Myriam Volorio Perriard)
• geo.admin.ch, service de recherche d'adresses (swisstopo)

Other villages near Grand-Cachot-de-Vent

• Le Cerneux-Péquignot (NE)
• La Chaux-du-Milieu (NE)
• Les Ponts-de-Martel (NE)
• La Brévine (NE)
• Rosières (NE)