Molen van Makkum, windmill in Makkum, Netherlands
Molen van Makkum is a windmill in Beilen, Drenthe province, built with a simple upright design and large blades measuring about 20 meters long. The structure contains grinding stones for processing grain and features a brake system with control devices to manage wind force and keep the machinery steady.
Built in 1906 to replace an earlier mill that had collapsed, this structure incorporates the back section of an old mill from nearby De Groeve. A severe storm in 1993 damaged the roof and sails, but careful restoration in 1997 returned it to working condition.
This location is accessible by appointment only and not open to the public on regular days; guided tours may be offered on special visiting occasions. When wind conditions are favorable, the mill may operate during your visit, making each tour experience distinctive.
This structure was partly reconstructed using materials from an old mill in De Groeve, showing how craftspeople reused earlier mill components. This practice of recycling mill parts reveals practical resourcefulness from earlier building methods.
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