Molino Abandonado

Was this skeletal frame before us once a grand windmill? It’s hard to imagine, looking at the abandoned Molino Abandonado, that this was a luxurious home. The Molino Abandonado in Punta del Este has a fascinating history. Built around 1920, this unique structure originally served as both a windmill and the eccentric residence of French painter and poet, André Giot de Badet. The Giot de Badet family, originally from France, settled in Punta del Este in 1920, seeking an escape from post-war Europe. They commissioned the architect of Punta del Este’s British House, Eduardo Le Monnier, to construct the unusual home. Le Monnier had grand plans for a castle, complete with a park, woods, and stables. However, the outbreak of World War I forced the architect to return to France, leaving behind the more modest, but still remarkable, windmill and a smaller accompanying house. The Molino Abandonado wasn’t always a decaying shell. It was once the heart of a vibrant social scene. André Giot de Badet was a gracious host, welcoming visiting artists from across the Rio de la Plata. Celebrities from the worlds of painting, music, ballet, and theatre graced the Molino Abandonado. Names like Leonide Massine, Maurice Escande, Ninon Vallin, Miguel Fleta, Tita Ruffo, Mistinguett, and even Josephine Baker, all spent time at this unconventional gathering place. The Giot de Badet family even installed three old train carriages on the property. These carriages, placed near the main building, served as additional guest quarters, highlighting the family’s unique style and hospitality. The family’s extravagant lifestyle was legendary. They raised geese to make their own foie gras and cultivated mushrooms for gourmet meals. Madame de Badet, particularly known for her elegance, would showcase the latest Parisian fashions from renowned designers like Paquin and Patou. Even her pearl necklace had a story. A pink pearl of considerable size, it was kept in a glass of seawater, brought fresh from the beach daily, to preserve its luster. Sadly, the family’s time in Punta del Este eventually came to an end. André Giot de Badet departed for Europe in 1928, leaving behind a legacy of artistry and extravagance. The Molino Abandonado, once a beacon of creativity, fell into disrepair. Over the years, it has suffered from neglect and vandalism. Today, the Molino Abandonado remains a silent testament to a bygone era of glamour and eccentric charm.