Koutermolen Harelbeke

The Koutermolen is a wooden post mill that stood from the early 19th century until 1982, about 300 meters from its current location. Fate struck twice: in 1892, the mill burned down completely, and in 1917, the Germans demolished the newly constructed mill to build an airfield. After the First World War, the Deerlijk State Mill was moved to the site of the Koutermolen. In 1948, the mill stopped operating and fell into disrepair.
The Province of West Flanders purchased it in 1978 for the symbolic sum of one franc with the aim of restoring it and transferring it to the De Gavers Provincial Estate. It was fully restored according to the building plan of the old Koutermolen. The restored Koutermolen was inaugurated on September 19, 1987. Thirty years later, a thorough renovation of the outer shell was again necessary.
The mill was fully restored in 2021. The mill was officially opened in April 2022 and stands proudly on its 7-meter-high mound, a guardian of the estate.
Source: westvlaanderen.be

The mill is now open to the public. If you see the blue flag flying, you can enter. You can also arrange a visit by emailing gavers@west-vlaanderen.be or calling 056 23 40 10.

The Koutermolen in Harelbeke is a traditional post mill dating back to 1725 and is a beautiful example of Flemish mill architecture. This wooden corn mill, once an important part of local agricultural life, stands on an open piece of land where it can still turn in all its glory when there is enough wind. The mill has been lovingly restored and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the past, while looking majestically over the surrounding fields.