De Phenix

De Phenix is a windmill located in Nes, standing on a brick foundation with sails that extend low to the ground. Inside, a cast-iron shaft from 1900 connects to a large wheel filled with metal cogs that work together to grind grain.

A lightning strike destroyed the nearby De Hoop mill in 1880, prompting millwright Van der Meer from Harlingen to build this replacement at the same location. It became a central grain-processing facility for the island community.

The mill served as a gathering point where local farmers brought their grain to be processed into flour for daily use. Its role shaped how the community worked and traded for generations.

Visitors should note that this is a working mill and access may vary depending on the season or operational needs. It is best to check ahead before visiting and to explore the surrounding area around the structure.

This structure is the last ground-level mill of its kind still operating in Friesland province. Its survival is noteworthy because it shows how specialized agricultural machinery adapted to local needs has endured through changing times.