Meestermolen, Oostvleteren

Meestermolen is a wooden post mill standing in Oostvleteren, a village within the municipality of Vleteren in Belgium's West Flanders province. Although it is now firmly associated with this village, its story actually began elsewhere — the mill was most likely built around 1760 in the nearby village of Gijverinkhove.

Where does the name come from?

The name "Meestermolen" (literally "the master's mill") refers to René De Meester, the mayor of Oostvleteren, who bought the already deteriorating mill in 1963. Five years later, in 1968, he donated it to the municipality — a gesture that ultimately saved the structure from disappearing from the landscape for good.

What happened to the mill before it moved?

Before arriving in Oostvleteren, the post mill went through several significant changes. In 1943 it was reduced to a single sail (a process known as "verdekkering"), and in 1952 miller Maurice Dewilde carried out a thorough restoration. Despite this work, the mill stopped operating on wind power in 1954 — its internal grinding mechanism continued to be used until 1988 in a mechanically powered mill instead. The building itself, however, began falling into disrepair, until it eventually ended up in De Meester's hands.

How was it rebuilt?

The real turning point came in 1973, when the mill was dismantled, transported to Oostvleteren, and reconstructed from scratch. The project was designed by architect Arthur De Geyter and physically carried out by experienced millwrights Guido and Herman Peel. The reconstruction was completed in 1974, and from that point on the Meestermolen has stood at its present location, in the heart of Oostvleteren.

Is the mill still operational?

Yes — since 1974 the mill has been maintained by volunteer millers who regularly turn its sails and keep the mechanism in working order. It hasn't been without setbacks: in 2002 a severe storm caused significant damage to the structure, requiring temporary shoring to prevent collapse. The mill was subsequently repaired and restored to full grinding capability.

Why is it worth a visit?

The Meestermolen is today the only surviving windmill in the entire municipality of Vleteren, which alone makes it a local landmark. For visitors, it offers a chance to see a now-rare type of post mill, with its wooden body pivoting on a central post, and to trace the story of a structure that survived relocation, rebuilding, and storm damage — owing its continued existence to one mayor's determination and generations of volunteer millers who followed.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Meestermolen located? In Oostvleteren, a village within the municipality of Vleteren in Belgium's West Flanders province.

When was the mill built? Most likely around 1760, though originally in Gijverinkhove rather than its current location.

When was it moved to Oostvleteren? Between 1973 and 1974, after being dismantled, transported, and rebuilt to a design by Arthur De Geyter.

Can the mill be seen in operation? Yes, volunteer millers have kept it running since 1974, despite storm damage in 2002 that was subsequently repaired.