Enormous Antique French Hand-Carved Limestone Trough

Elevate your outdoor space with this antique French limestone wall fountain from the 19th century. With a carved mythical fish creature as its centerpiece, water gently cascades into...

A central-style fountain from France, hand-carved from limestone, featuring a circular basin that allows generous water overflow from the exit points. At the center of the basin stan...

One of a kind French wall fountain in limestone. Typical LXIV style of the 19th century. Amazing and grand fountain for a bespoke luxury lifestyle design. The head stone measures: 7...

1990s hand carved aged stone antique reproduction wall fountain.

We've transformed this beautiful large limestone trough into a fountain, using copper piping that will patina even more over time turning a rich brown color. This fountain has the op...

Antique French Limestone Trough; 18th Century Original Overview

This 18th-century antique French limestone trough (reference: OT213) is a rare, one-of-a-kind architectural salvage piece sourced from the rural countryside near Clermont-Ferrand, France. Carved by hand between 1760 and 1780, this substantial trough measures 201 cm wide × 130 cm deep × 71 cm high and weighs approximately 3,000 kg. The surface shows an authentic timeworn patina developed over centuries of use, enhancing its historical character.

Material & Craftsmanship

Crafted from solid French limestone (pierre calcaire), this trough was hand-carved from a single block. Its robust composition makes it highly resistant to weathering, while the natural stone’s subtle tonal variations and aged surface bear witness to its centuries-old origin.

Hand carving in the 18th century involved traditional chiseling techniques by skilled stonemasons, leaving subtle tool marks that add to its authenticity and charm.

Possible Uses in Landscape & Garden Design

Due to its size, weight, and historic appeal, this antique stone trough can serve as:

A focal point in a formal or rustic garden design An antique stone planter for trees, shrubs, or seasonal arrangements A water feature basin in a courtyard or landscaped estate A statement piece for heritage property restoration Historical Context

Stone troughs of this period were originally used in agricultural settings to hold water or feed for livestock. Their practical role and durable construction have ensured their survival for centuries, making them highly sought after by garden designers, landscape architects, and heritage property owners worldwide.

Why Choose De Opkamer?

De Opkamer is a recognised specialist in sourcing authentic European architectural...