Volmolen

Volmolen is a historic watermill in Hoeselt, a small municipality in the Belgian province of Limburg. It stands on the Demer river at Broekstraat 22, and for centuries it played a role in the local economy of this part of the region.

Where does the name come from and what is the mill's history?

Traces of the first structure on this site date back to before 1300, making Volmolen one of the older industrial buildings in the area. What visitors see today is a construction dating from the second half of the 19th century, when owners of the time rebuilt the mill on older foundations. On the Ferraris map from around 1775, the site still appears under a different name, "Housselt Molen," pointing to earlier ties with the nearby village of Housselt. Over time the name Volmolen took hold, though it is also sometimes referred to as Akermolen.

What was the mill used for?

Its primary function was grinding grain into flour — Volmolen operated as a grain mill powered by an overshot water wheel mounted at the top of the structure. Interestingly, between the 16th and 19th centuries it also served as a fulling mill, a facility used to felt and finish woolen cloth. This process involved mechanically pounding the fabric in water, which compacted the fibers and improved the quality of the finished textile. This dual function illustrates how versatile water power was in rural economies of the past.

Who owned the mill?

After 1840 the mill passed through the hands of several families. Recorded owners include Louis Nartus, a pharmacist by profession, followed by Henri Nartus. Later the property passed to Felix Nicolaers-Vrancken, and through subsequent generations of inheritance to the Stulens and Thoelen families. Since 2014 the mill has been owned by the Jorissen family.

What does the technical equipment look like?

Inside, machinery components dating from around 1880–1890 survive — both wooden and metal parts of the mechanism. The mill has two millstones roughly 1.40 meters in diameter, along with a metal water wheel fitted with cast-iron components. A wooden sluice gate that regulated the water flow from the Demer has also been preserved.

What condition is it in today?

Although the mill was listed as a protected monument on October 13, 1986, its physical condition today is very poor. It is described as having fallen into ruin — most of the exterior walls have disappeared, and the structure is in urgent need of conservation work. Restoration plans have been discussed for years but have not yet been carried out. The site is currently not open to visitors.

Frequently asked questions

Can Volmolen be visited? No, the mill is not open to the public, due to its poor structural condition and private ownership status.

How long has a mill stood on this site? The first structure was built before 1300, though the current form dates from the 19th century.

Is the mill legally protected? Yes, it has been listed as a protected monument since 1986, though despite this protection it continues to deteriorate.

What function did it serve besides grinding grain? For several centuries it also operated as a fulling mill, finishing woolen textiles.