In a picturesque village hidden along the river stands an ancient watermill. Grain was already being milled here around 1450. The building is a protected historic property, constructed with marlstone walls approximately 80 cm thick. From every viewpoint, the expansive outlook is truly enchanting.
In 2016, the building was completely restored and modernised under the direction of two renowned architects. The mill was once again made suitable for milling, with the original gears still inside and a modern, efficient waterwheel outside. The beautifully integrated, custom-made interiors throughout the building were designed by an internationally renowned architect in collaboration with several designers. The new roofs provide good insulation and are glazed in two places, allowing optimal lighting.
The interaction between past and present can be felt everywhere and has been perfectly designed using the finest-quality materials. Leading-brand technology provides the buildings, completely invisibly, with every comfort, including underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation and air conditioning, while respectfully preserving their ancient and evocative character. High-end materials were selected for the finest finishes, including taps, switches, sanitary fixtures and lighting.
The imposing milling room remains intact. Milling with the millstones is an authentic experience in a historic atmosphere. The beautiful Portuguese tiles echo the old black-and-white chequered floors—a sublime discovery. Insulation is excellent thanks to the thick marlstone, the new roofs and the monumental double-glazed windows. The frames were masterfully custom-made by skilled craftsmen. Each luxurious bedroom, with its own bathroom and toilet, has a unique character. The large, welcoming kitchen-diner and teaching kitchen, equipped with top-quality appliances, is a dream. Sit warmly beside the wood-burning stove in winter and admire the horizon from the terrace in summer. Atmosphere and superior class all year round. And all of this is also energy-neutral! The majestic paddle wheel is ultra-modern and equipped with a generator, thereby supplying the necessary renewable electricity. Truly, everything has been considered.
The watermill building, 420 m² of living space:
Technical features:
-Zuppinger waterwheel. Concrete channel. Sluice gates. Generator, electrical panel and control unit.
-Underfloor heating
-Air heating and air conditioning, adjustable by room.
-Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.
-Heat pumps (3)
-2 X 300-litre boilers, water softener.
-Rainwater recovery system, 2 X 4,000 litres.
-Emergency lighting, fire and smoke detection
Layout:
-Mill room with historic milling mechanism
-Stone bed with 2 milling gears, idle gears, workbench and storage rooms.
-Technical room with electrical installation
-Lounge with wood-burning stove
-Living room with shop
-Large kitchen-diner and teaching kitchen with Gaggenau appliances
-Vaulted wine cellar with counter and appliances.
-Storage room and technical room
-Toilet and washbasin
-Laundry room
-Modern extension: dining room with buffet and appliances, skylight and 2 sliding doors
-Suspended terrace above the water
Floors:
-4 characterful bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and toilet.
The watermill offers numerous opportunities for enterprising people. It is extremely suitable for high-quality catering, a bed-and-breakfast concept, a mill and shop, or a combination of all of these with living and working space. As a family home or holiday home, it is fantastic. It would also be suitable for a special co-housing community or a modern residential complex. In short, here you will find a truly unique property.
History:
The watermill has a rich history. The original building probably dates from the 14th century, with the first references dating to 1450. Anecdotes from more than a century later have been preserved concerning skirmishes with the Maastricht garrison. Between 1630 and 1650, the mill fell into decline, and the judge intervened several times to seize it because of overdue maintenance. After 1650, the mill experienced better times and the front section was built. This is still clearly visible from the shape of the roofs and the difference in interior floor levels. An old façade stone depicts a chronogram in verse, dated 1842. Grain was milled here for more than five centuries, but in 1962 the mill was closed, the sluice gates disappeared and the water supply was interrupted. Fortunately, the internal mechanisms were preserved. Important recognition of its historic value finally followed in 1981. Since then, the mill has been protected as a national monument and the surrounding houses have been protected as a village conservation area.
The current owners decided to purchase the watermill in 2008, restore it to its former glory and make it operational for milling again. To this end, the 30-metre-long supply channel running alongside the mill was excavated again. To optimise the efficiency of the water power, the channel was completely lined with smooth concrete walls and a smooth concrete bottom, and a modern waterwheel was installed. By 2016, all renovation work had been completed with admirable and highly praised results. This splendid piece of heritage has regained its original function, while a new use has been added.
Additional information:
Electricity compliant.
EPC Label B - Renovation obligation not applicable
Property information: Permit issued, Residential area, No judicial restoration measure or imposed administrative measure, No right of pre-emption under planning law available, Subdivision permit.
Water test: P-score: D, G-score: B