Buiten Verwachting

Buiten Verwachting is a round stone tower mill with three stone wheels powered by wooden mechanisms and driven by large sails that catch the wind. It stands near Molenweg 35 and represents the typical design of Dutch grain mills from the 1800s.

The mill was built in 1874 to replace a wooden predecessor that had been destroyed by lightning. Between 1981 and 1983, it underwent major restoration work when Middelburg Municipality took ownership and returned it to working condition.

The mill demonstrates how grain was traditionally processed into flour using mechanical power from wind and stone wheels. Visitors can watch the machinery work and understand the craftsmanship that went into each step.

The mill is open mainly on Saturdays when the miller Richard van Eenennaam operates the machinery and explains how everything works. Visitors should arrange a visit in advance to see the mill in operation and get a proper tour.

In 2022 the mill received new sails that replicate historical designs, replacing earlier damaged covers that had deteriorated over time. This renovation allowed the building to recover its original appearance and operate at full capacity again.