Groenendaalse Molen

The Groenendaalse Molen is a historic windmill located in Heemstede, Netherlands. Believed to date from the 17th century, this polder mill has been an integral part of the region's agricultural heritage for centuries.

Type and Original Purpose

• This tower mill was constructed as a polder mill, designed to drain and pump water out of the surrounding polders. The original purpose of the mill was grain milling, with oil pressing also being a secondary function.

The Groenendaalse Molen is currently a museum, open to the public for guided tours. While it no longer operates as a functional mill, it remains an important part of local history and heritage.

Architecture and Construction Materials

• The tower mill stands at 25 meters tall and features six wooden sails. The grinding stones are made of limestone, while the machinery is powered by wind energy. The exterior walls are constructed from brick and mortar, with a characteristic Dutch gable roof.

Location and Setting

Located on Burgemeester van Rappardlaan 3 in Heemstede, the mill sits within a picturesque landscape of polders and canals. The nearby water source is the Zuidplaspolder, which was drained by the mill's original purpose.

Heritage Status and Preservation Efforts

The Groenendaalse Molen has been recognized as a national monument in the Netherlands, with efforts made to preserve its historical integrity. Regular maintenance and restoration work ensure that this important piece of history remains accessible for future generations.

Visiting Information

For those interested in visiting the Groenendaalse Molen, guided tours are available during the summer months. Visitors can explore the mill's interior, learn about its history, and gain insight into life as a 17th-century polder miller.

Notable Historical Events or Famous Millers

Although no specific notable events or famous millers are recorded for this particular mill, it is known to have played an important role in the region's agricultural development during the Dutch Golden Age.