Cobbles

The floor of the stables and yard is cobbles with stones from our beach.

The stones fell from the cliffs and have been rounded by the sea.

They were carried up the hill in baskets by the donkeys. It must have taken many trips because the stones are very heavy.

A bed of sand was laid in the yard and the stones were stood on it close together being careful to keep the top surface level. The last ones were banged in with a wooden mallet so as not to crack the stones.
There is no need for cement. That would crack and let the cobbles fall out and would prevent water from draining down between the cobbles.
It is a good floor and easy to repair but it is hard work to keep clean. It is such hard work that on a cold winter's day a bit of sweeping is a good way to get warmed up !