French Antique Granite Stone Mill used as Bench

A curved French antique granite bench cut from a section of an antique millstone, with a high rough back that bends gently around the sitter. The seat is the detail that stays with you: it is cut in a herringbone pattern of deep grooves, once used to grind grain, which gives the surface a steady tactile rhythm. The stone is smoky gray, speckled with rust-colored lichen and mineral deposits that warm the granite, and the edges are blunt and rugged. The finish is pitted and matte.

It measures 69 inches wide, 18 1/2 inches deep and 28 inches high; the listing records seat depths of 12 1/2 and 6 inches and heights of 13, 9 and 7 1/2 inches for the mill section, back and supports. It is heavy, solid and indifferent to weather.

The curve suits the ring around a fire pit or a bend in a garden walk, and the hard seat makes a good mudroom bench that muddy boots cannot hurt. Against clean contemporary finishes the geometric grooves read as sculpture. This stone garden bench has sold. We usually have another antique millstone bench in the yard or on the water; ask and we will send what is current.