Boerenmolen

Boerenmolen is a historic windmill standing on Oude Bruggeweg in Snellegem, a village belonging to the municipality of Jabbeke in West Flanders, about 1.2 km west of the local church. Though the structure survives today only in partial form, it once played a central role in the area's agricultural economy for more than a century.

Where does the name Boerenmolen come from?

The story of this site begins before the windmill itself. In 1840, a water mill was built on the Waalbeek stream, its undershot wheel powering equipment for grinding grain and pressing oil. Nearly two decades later, in 1858, miller Seraphinus Deprez erected a brick windmill of the stellingmolen (gallery mill) type just west of the existing water mill, built from yellow brick. From that point on, the two structures split their duties: the windmill took over grain milling, while the water mill was dedicated entirely to oil production. The name "Boerenmolen," literally "farmers' mill," reflects its role serving the surrounding farms.

How did the mill operate day to day?

To reduce its dependence on the weather, the windmill was fitted with a gas motor in 1886, allowing grain milling to continue even on calm, windless days. This kind of hybrid setup — traditional wind power combined with newer mechanical engines — was common at the turn of the 20th century, as millers sought greater efficiency and independence from natural conditions. From 1940 onward, the mill ran with a covered exterior rotor, another adaptation reflecting the changing technology of the era.

When did the mill stop operating?

Boerenmolen remained in commercial use until 1961. Its last professional miller was Edmond Desopper, whose departure marked the end of the site's working history. Fifteen years later, in January 1976, storm damage led to the dismantling of the mill's moving parts: the rotor, tail, and upper wheel were all removed. Since then, only the romp — the mill's brick body — has remained standing.

Can visitors see Boerenmolen today?

The site is not open to visitors and remains incomplete, consisting solely of the brick body topped with a makeshift emergency cap, along with a diesel motor installed on site. Despite losing its original function, Boerenmolen holds official heritage status: on February 24 and May 20, 1981, it was registered as a protected monument, with its surroundings designated a protected landscape. Conservation work followed in 1995, during which the emergency cap was installed and damaging ivy growth was cleared from the structure.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Boerenmolen located? At Oude Bruggeweg 3 in Snellegem, part of the municipality of Jabbeke in West Flanders province, roughly 1.2 km west of the village church.

What material was the windmill built from? Yellow brick — Boerenmolen is a stellingmolen (gallery mill) built in 1858.

Is the windmill still operational? No. Commercial milling ended in 1961, and after storm damage in 1976 its moving parts — rotor, tail, and upper wheel — were removed, leaving only the brick body.

Is Boerenmolen legally protected? Yes, it has been listed as a protected monument since 1981, with its surrounding area protected as a landscape.