Nederland - Arcen, Wijmarsche Watermolen

The Wijmarsche mill belonged to the estate of the Castle of ‘Heerlycheit Arcen’ and was already mentioned in documents in the year of 1498, although it then was located on a different place. Two centuries later, the mill was affected by the ravages of war and demolished in 1677. Rebuilding of the mill took place the same year on its present location.

Originally the mill building had two floors; the grain mill was located in the northern part and in the southern was an oil mill, having each their own water wheel. Early 19th century the building was extended with a third storey, executed in skillfully masonry.

In the years of 1881 – 1882 the oil mill disappeared and the flour mill was renovated again. In 1917 the mill was closed, due to strong competition from industrial mills. The building was severely damaged in World War II and fell into a ruin. The heirs of the last owner tried to restore the mill in the fifties, but due to the poor condition it failed.

In 1978 a foundation (Stichting Het Limburgs Landschap) took over the mill and in collaboration with local initiatives the restoration of the ‘Wijmarsche Watermolen’ Arcen was accomplished. In 1993 the mill could be used as a corn mill again. Nowadays the mill is leased to ‘Graanbranderij de IJsvogel’ (an alcohol distillery) and can be visited.

More info about the mill (Dutch): waterradmolens.nl/LimburgN/Arcen.htm
More info about the distillery (Dutch): www.ijsvogel.com