Nederland - Roderwolde, Woldzigt

Woldzigt (meaning “view of the woods”) is an octagonal smock mill. It is a three-storey mill on a four-storey brick base. The stage is at third-floor level, 10 meters above ground level. The smock and cap are thatched. It is a quite unique windmill, as it has two buildings on the side; one was used to house the miller and the other as some kind of factory housing.

The mill is dating back to 1852, when it was built as a combined corn and oil mill. The oil mill was used to crush linseed and rapeseed to produce oil. The season for oil milling ran from September until May. Throughout the year the mill also functioned as a corn mill.

In 1902 the mill was sold and a petrol engine was installed as auxiliary power. Four years later the petrol engine was replaced by a steam engine. In 1941, the mill ceased to produce oil. Corn milling ended in 1951. In 1970 the mill was sold to the municipality of Roden. The mill was completely restored in 1976.

In 2016 Woldzigt was transferred by the municipality to Het Drentse Landschap (a foundation aiming to preserve the landscape and cultural history of the province of Drenthe). The mill is managed by Stichting olie- en korenmolen Woldzigt (Oil and corn mill Woldzigt Society). The mill is entirely ready for operation. It is open for visitors, although with limited opening hours. The Dutch Grain Museum houses in a side wing of the mill.