De Hoop, Elen

De Hoop is a historic stellingmolen (a standing windmill raised on a gallery) located in Elen, a village that forms part of the Belgian municipality of Dilsen-Stokkem in the province of Limburg. Built in 1870 by Theodore Smeets and Sofia Beunen, the mill served local farmers for decades, grinding grain and crushing oats.

What happened to the mill over the years?

After passing through several owners, De Hoop could no longer compete with electricity-powered grain mills and was shut down in 1968. The building then stood idle, and its condition steadily deteriorated. A decade later, in 1978, the mill was designated as a protected monument, saving it from demolition — though not from further damage: in 1990 a severe storm badly damaged the mill's cap, the rotating upper section that houses the sail mechanism.

Who brought the mill back to life?

The turning point came in 2001, when Dirk Peusens became the mill's owner. He placed De Hoop under a long-term hereditary lease with the non-profit association Windmolen De Hoop, which took on the task of restoring it. The restoration proceeded in phases, covering the interior, the cap, and the sails. These efforts paid off in August 2010, when the mill was put back into operation — after more than four decades of standing still, De Hoop was milling grain again.

Why is this windmill historically significant?

De Hoop holds a notable place in the history of milling in Flanders and the Netherlands. In 1933, mill builder Chris Van Bussel tested a new, streamlined sail profile here. The design proved successful enough that it was later adopted on more than 300 windmills across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, giving Elen a real technical significance for the wider region.

What can visitors see and do at De Hoop today?

The mill still performs its original function, regularly grinding grain, with a miller present on site every Saturday so visitors can closely follow the whole milling process. The adjoining building, previously used as a residence, an animal shelter, and storage space, now serves educational and tourism purposes. De Hoop also offers an unusual form of overnight stay, letting guests sleep inside the working mill, among its sails.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is De Hoop located? The mill stands in Elen, a village belonging to the municipality of Dilsen-Stokkem in the province of Limburg, in eastern Belgium.

Is the mill still operational? Yes. Since its restoration was completed in 2010, De Hoop regularly grinds grain, and the process can be observed on Saturdays.

What makes this mill's history stand out? In 1933, a new sail profile design was tested here, later applied to more than 300 windmills across three countries.

Can you stay overnight at the mill? Yes, the De Hoop building now also functions as an unusual overnight accommodation.