Heritage accommodation

The rich history of the Voorste Luysmolen

The Voorste Luysmolen, located on the picturesque Abeek, is a watermill with a history dating back more than five centuries. As early as 1515, this undershot mill was mentioned as a fulling mill, where sheets were fulled. In the 19th century, the mill was also converted into a corn mill. The name “Luys” refers to an old field name, which not only refers to the watermills in the area, but is also linked to the families who worked here as millers.

From wood to stone

In 1884, the original wooden building was replaced by a brick structure. The wooden gearing of the mill was replaced by a robust cast iron system in 1952-1953. The mill remained in operation until 1965, under the management of the last professional miller, Jan Creemers from Bree. After that, the mill fell into disrepair.

The miller's house: a piece of living history

The holiday home opposite the mill was once home to the miller's families. Here, inscriptions carved into the centuries-old oak beams tell unique stories from the past. One of the inscriptions refers to a fire in the 16th century. According to legend, this fire was the result of a so-called “brandbrief” (letter of fire) from the notorious Bokkenrijders, a band of robbers who made the region unsafe at the time. Although no proven link has ever been established between the fire and the gang, this legend adds to the mystique of the place.

Restoration and new life

Thanks to a thorough restoration between 2000 and 2002, carried out by the Flemish Land Agency (VLM), the mill was restored to its former glory. Architect W. van Hoof and mill specialist Nico Jurgens worked together to make the mill operational again.

During the restoration, fish ladders were installed so that fish can pass safely by the mill. Today, the mill has a pair of millstones that can not only grind grain, but also drive a dynamo that used to generate electricity.

Ownership and management

The Voorste Luysmolen itself is owned by the municipality of Bocholt and is part of a catering business. The former miller's house, now a charming holiday home, is owned by Natuurinvest and managed by the non-profit organisation LeefjeNatuur. With its mission to bring people back into contact with nature in an accessible way, LeefjeNatuur offers visitors a unique place where nature, tranquillity and heritage come together.

Cycling past historic mills

The Voorste Luysmolen is part of the Kempenmolenroute and is located close to the Grensmolenroute. There are three additional windmill cycling routes in the vicinity: the Heggemulderroute, the Watermolenroute and the Windmolenroute. Together, they offer more than 40 windmills to discover! More information about these routes can be found at kempenbroekmolens.nl.

Visit the mill

The mill is a special meeting place for heritage enthusiasts. Every second and fourth Sunday of the month, the mill briefly comes to life when the miller grinds a few sacks of grain. During mill days, the mill is open to the public for extensive viewing.

What's more, the mill is located on the cycle route network, between junctions 87 (NL) and 9 (BE), making it an ideal stop for cyclists who want to discover the region's heritage. With its fascinating history, mysterious legends and lively restoration, the Voorste Luysmolen is a unique place where nature, heritage and adventure come together.

On the second and fourth Sunday of the month, a volunteer miller actually grinds grain in the morning. Please note! He arrives in the morning and stays until his supply of grain is ground, then leaves. If you want to discover how it works, be sure to arrive early. Be sure to ask for an explanation. The miller has a passion for mills and will be happy to give you some information.