De Hoop, Grain windmill in Ouddorp, Netherlands.
De Hoop is a cylindrical stone mill built in the 19th century, standing about 21 meters high with three sets of millstones for grain processing. The grinding machinery inside is powered by the large external sails that turn in the wind, converting this energy into the mechanical work needed to mill the grain.
A mill has stood on this site since 1600, but the current structure was built in 1845 by the Voogd family to replace the older building. The new construction was designed larger and more efficient to meet the growing demand for flour from the local community.
The mill continues to operate using traditional milling methods and produces flour for local bakeries and residents in the area. The operators show visitors how grain is processed and explain the role this building plays in the community's daily life.
The mill operates on Saturdays using wind power to grind grain, while on weekdays it relies on electric power. Visitors should plan to come on weekends to see the mill at work with the wind and to understand how the traditional machinery operates.
This is one of the few remaining privately owned commercial mills in the Netherlands, operated by the same family since its construction. This continuous family stewardship across generations has helped preserve traditional milling skills and operational methods to this day.
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