Stermolen

Stermolen is a historic wooden post mill standing in the village of Eksel, part of the Hechtel-Eksel municipality in Belgium's Limburg province. Although the structure itself dates to the early 18th century, the story of milling at this exact spot goes back much further.

Where did the mill in Eksel come from?

The right to build a windmill in the hamlet of Hoenrik was granted in 1659 by Prince-Bishop Gerard van Groesbeek to a man named Jan Thonis. That original mill served the local community for over two centuries until it burned to the ground on 20 March 1886, while owned by B. Zels of Eksel. It was never rebuilt on site, leaving residents without a working mill of their own for over a decade.

How did today's mill get here?

The solution came from an entirely different part of Belgium. In 1901, a ready-made, already-existing post mill was brought to Eksel — purchased in the Hainaut region, close to the French border. The job of transporting it by rail and re-erecting it in Eksel fell to Eugeen Bleukx-Driesen, a miller from nearby Wijchmaal. Even though it was physically relocated, the mill kept its earlier, 18th-century pedigree — which is why today's structure is described as an early 18th-century grain mill.

Where does the name Stermolen come from?

The name refers to a painted compass rose (a star pattern) on a side section of the mill's housing. That star motif was applied even before the First World War, but the name "Stermolen" itself only became common usage from the 1960s onward — before that, locals referred to the mill by other, less lasting names.

Who worked the mill?

The last professional miller to operate Stermolen was Mathieu Helsen, who worked there from 1948 to 1970. His departure marked the end of the mill's everyday production role, grinding grain for surrounding farms.

What happened to the mill afterward?

In 1977, ownership of Stermolen passed to the municipality, opening the way for its preservation as a heritage site rather than a working production facility. Since then, successive generations of volunteer millers have kept it maintained and capable of turning its sails.

Does the mill still turn today?

Yes — despite its protected, museum-like status, Stermolen remains an active mill rather than a static monument. Volunteer millers regularly set the mechanism in motion, so visitors can see the sails actually turning instead of only viewing a motionless landmark.

What else is there to see on site?

Alongside the mill itself stands the miller's house (Molenhuisje), historically tied to the operation and residence of the mill's keeper. Together they form a small but coherent piece of rural heritage, typical of the Kempen region in which Eksel is located.

Frequently asked questions

Is Stermolen the original mill from Eksel? Not exactly — the current structure was brought in from the Hainaut region in 1901, after the earlier local windmill burned down in 1886.

How old is the mill itself? The structure dates from the early 18th century, even though it has only stood in Eksel since 1901.

Can visitors see the mill actually operating? Yes, volunteer millers turn the sails, letting visitors watch the working mechanism rather than a purely static structure.

Where does the name Stermolen come from? From a painted compass rose (star) on a side section of the mill's casing — the name itself spread into common use from the 1960s onward.