Ezaart Mill

Molen van Ezaart (Ezaart Mill) is a historic gristmill windmill standing on a natural sand dune in Ezaart, one of twelve hamlets belonging to the municipality of Mol in Belgium's Antwerp Province. With a 24-metre wingspan, it is the last of the eight windmills that once operated within the municipality to remain in active, working condition.

When was the Ezaart Mill built?

The mill was constructed in 1856 at the initiative of miller Karel Heylen from the nearby town of Geel. From the outset it was designed as a grain mill, a purpose it has retained throughout its nearly two-century history, despite undergoing numerous repairs and structural changes along the way.

What happened to the mill over the years?

In 1913 the structure was rendered in cement and whitewashed, giving it the bright, pale appearance seen in older photographs. A dramatic turning point came on 21 March 1957, when a violent storm severely damaged the windmill. Despite this destruction, local authorities recognised its heritage value, and on 23 June 1960 the mill was officially listed as a protected monument.

In 1958 ownership passed to the municipality of Mol together with Belgium's Studiecentrum voor Kernenergie (Nuclear Energy Study Centre), securing the building's future both financially and administratively. A full functional restoration followed in 1984, carried out by miller Adriaens from Weert in the Netherlands — work that returned the mill to genuine milling capability.

What conservation work has taken place in the 21st century?

The mill's story did not end with the 1980s restoration. In 2003, its plasterwork, staircase and entrance door were renovated. Two years later, in 2005, a new wing cross — a critical component for the mill's mechanical operation — was installed. In 2008 attention turned to the mill's "beard," the protective covering over the upper structure, and in 2021 the building underwent a comprehensive renovation covering its main framework and body.

Why does the Ezaart Mill matter to the region?

Molen van Ezaart is the only surviving, still-operational windmill among the eight that historically stood within the municipality of Mol. Its status as a legally protected monument since 1960 marks it as a piece of local industrial and cultural heritage, bearing witness to the traditional milling craft of the Kempen region. The municipality and local community mark the mill's history with organised events, including anniversary celebrations such as festivities held for its 170th year of existence.

What should visitors know about Ezaart?

The windmill sits atop a natural sandy rise, a typical siting choice for mills of this kind in the region, since elevated ground made better use of available wind. Its coordinates place it at approximately 51.177° N, 5.082° E, right at the heart of the Ezaart hamlet. For anyone interested in the history of windmill-based industry in Belgium or the timber-frame construction typical of the Kempen area, the mill offers an authentic, still-functioning example — a rarity compared to the many windmills in the region preserved only as static exhibits.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Ezaart Mill still operational? Yes. Following its 1984 restoration and subsequent maintenance work — most recently a full renovation in 2021 — the mill remains functional as the only active windmill in the municipality of Mol.

Who built the mill? It was built in 1856 by miller Karel Heylen of Geel.

Is the mill a protected monument? Yes, it has held legally protected status since 23 June 1960.

What happened to the mill in 1957? It was severely damaged by a powerful storm on 21 March of that year.