Every time we drove to Plombieres les Bains, France, we turned from the scenic back road to the main road at a point where we saw several buildings that had seen better days. Once a distillery, the stone buildings were still attractive, so finally one day on the way home, we pulled over to explore, starting with this building behind the main structure.
An empty building can attract the wrong sort of people. Of course not those in search of doors, but those interested a spot of burglary. To thwart such nefarious notions, the owner/s attached this notice (enlarged in the second shot) to a very nice set of shutters on the main building.
It’s even in English for those non-French speaking burglars! The House of Waters of Life holds nothing worth stealing. I thought it rather a good idea. But this is a doors post, isn’t it? Don’t despair!
for Thursday Doors
This, that and the other thing 
what a cool place
I’d love to see it re-purposed, but who knows?
janet
Lovely contrasts between the wood finishes on the different doors and shutters. I like the sign; wonder if it works?
Apparently it had. We saw no signs of damage. I thought the sign a stroke of genius. 🙂
I think so too.
Reminds me of old mills in our region. Lovely, of course. Kinda sad they need to post the signs.
The house next door to us was abandoned for many years and one day the police arrived, saying a stolen iPad had been tracked to its location. I couldn’t imagine the house’s skunk tenant would steal an iPad, and I was right, it was not found there.
It is a shame that signs have to be posted but at least this one was also rather humorous. About the skunk, who knows? Seems to me lots of thieves are skunks. 🙂
Har-har!
What I like the most about this crumbling old building is the lack of graffiti defacing the doors and brickwork. While the signs don’t add to its ambiance, seeing the old structure au naturel is so much nicer … even if it has seen much better days.
Joanne, I agree about the graffiti! The photos would have been nicer without the signs, but I appreciated why they were there and their positive spin on preventing a negative thing. Perhaps someone will buy the whole place and make something wonderful out of it.
I always enjoy your this, that and the other things. I can feel the age of the structures through your photography.
Thanks, Ruth. I’m always glad to see you and read your comments. Enjoy your Thursday!
Handsome building. It would be nice if it could get a little TLC and be used again.
I agree and hopefully it will be used again. I’m sure I’ll be seeing it again on my next visit. so I’ll check. 🙂
Wonderful doors and shutters. Too bad the signs are necessary, but I understand.
I understand, but if it weren’t for the signs, the doors might be gone. 🙂 Besides, it’s the most unique sign of its type I’ve ever seen.
That’s true!
I love all the stone and wood. The signs seem to be working. I hope they do!
The signs seem to be working wonderfully so far, thankfully. I really hope someone might buy the place and fix it up!
Lots of character!
I agree, Brenda, and good character. 🙂
janet
1932 really tells a story doesn’t it? Great composition. I like that sign too.
Thanks, JT. The sign is one of my favorite parts, even if it does mar the doors somewhat. It’s unique and full of humor, something I appreciate.
janet
janet
Cool place and creative owner – hope it works!
Me, too. It would be a great re-do!
That sign made me smile – does it help? I do like this building, but a lot of work to renovate, I suspect:)
The sign appears to have helped. Renovation is always a lot of work, but this one might be quite a project.
Am glad that that is not Hubs project:):)
Ha! Very true.
I like their proactive approach – it beats having to get an expensive alarm system 😉
That first pic is awesome. Clean lines, golden finish, and old hardware make for a nice combination.
I like the approach as well, humorous but to the point.
I didn’t know that English-speaking burglars was such a problem in France! 😀 😀 😀
You never know, do you? English IS the international business language and burglary is business, right? 🙂
Youte so right! Even the guy who stole the Pink Panther spoke English…
Ha!! I love those movies. 🙂
The sign is hilarious and also sad, at the same time. It’s much like the signs I see posted on some of the cars in downtown San Francisco: “Please don’t break the windows! The doors are unlocked and there’s nothing of value inside.” The things we’ve come to…
I agree. But I just like the sense of humor behind it.
Wonderful old building.
I thought so, too. 🙂
The one with 1932 above it has lived a full life and it still standing. Love it!
Pat
Thanks, Pat. I loved that one, too, and indeed, the entire building.
janet
Such a great find, Janet. Interesting that they used English, too. That’s the most detailed warning I’ve ever seen.
I’d never seen a sign like that either, Jean. It was almost as interesting as the building. 🙂
Love this building. Sad the signs have to be there but glad they seem to be working.
I agree. It would be nicer without the signs, but then again, maybe it wouldn’t.
Merci! I like the 1932 etched in the stone
And lively new doors on this old structures
Pas de quoi! I like the 1932 as well. The whole building was attractive even though abandoned.
😊
Oh, what a magnificent find! “Cher cambrioleurs….” That may now be my favorite phrase. Gonna write a story with that title. Yep. Gonna do it.
Glad to be your inspiration, Marian. 🙂
I really enjoy these old structures. Great images. 🙂
Thanks. Glad you liked them. 🙂
janet