Graetmolen

Graetmolen is a former watermill on the Herk river, located north of Wellen near the small hamlet of Russelt, at Herenstraat 20. The site sits on the edge of the Grote Beemd nature reserve, part of the Herk valley — an area known for its floodplain meadows, old riverside vegetation and quiet, natural setting.

How old is the mill and where does its history begin?

A mill at this location was already mentioned in 1236, making it one of the older milling sites in the Limburg region. Over the centuries it came into the possession of the Abbey of Averbode, which managed it as part of its economic estates. It was only during the French period, following the secularization of church property, that the mill was sold to a private miller.

How did the building change over the centuries?

Graetmolen was an undershot mill, powered by the flow of the Herk striking the lower part of the mill wheel — a common setup for the flat watercourses of the region. The building was rebuilt several times. In 1876 and 1880, steam engines were installed, likely to support or replace water power during periods of low water levels, but they were removed again in 1890, returning the mill to purely water-driven operation. A further major renovation took place in 1913.

Until when did the mill operate commercially?

The mill continued to function as a working grain mill into the 1960s. Its last operator was farmer-miller Armand Van Schoenwinkel. After production ceased, the building stood vacant for a long time before finding a new purpose.

What is Graetmolen used for today?

Between 2006 and 2008, the site underwent a careful renovation carried out by its current owner, Jossy Vanhengel. The former mill was converted into a restaurant and event hall, while preserving its historical character and picturesque surroundings. A narrow cobblestone path leads to the building, reinforcing the sense of a place set apart from everyday bustle.

The building itself is listed in Belgium's built heritage inventory (Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed), confirming its historical and architectural value at the regional level.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The surrounding Grote Beemd nature area, part of the Herk valley, is largely managed by Limburgs Landschap, an organization dedicated to protecting ecologically valuable land in the province of Limburg. It makes for a good walk combining local history with nature — floodplain meadows, an old riverbed, and vegetation typical of the Herk valley.

Frequently asked questions

Can Graetmolen be visited? The building now operates as a restaurant and event hall, so access is typically tied to using those services rather than a museum-style visit.

How old is the mill? The first mention of a mill at this site dates to 1236, though the current structure reflects many later rebuilds, including a major 1913 renovation and a restoration in 2006–2008.

Is it still a working grain mill? No — grain production ended in the 1960s, and the building was later converted for hospitality use.

Where exactly is Graetmolen located? At Herenstraat 20, north of Wellen, close to the hamlet of Russelt, on the edge of the Grote Beemd nature reserve in the Herk valley.