This mill was built in 1780 to supply the water features and ponds on the estate with water in the summer.
Shortly after its construction, a small steam pumping station was built next to the mill, which took over the grinding work of the mill.
Because the Groenendaal mill lost its function at that time, it came to a standstill early and was only retained as an ornamental object. This is probably why it was often said that the Groenendaal mill was not a real mill but a “folly”, which are funny buildings that serve as decoration (also called “entertainment architecture”).
Because the mill is very small, a door could not be placed in the octagonal mill body. That is why an additional scaffolding was made under the actual scaffolding from which the miller can climb to the real working scaffolding with a ladder.
The Groenendaal mill is therefore unique because it is the only mill with two racks!
Nowadays the mill can run on both wind power and electricity to refresh the water in the ponds at the petting zoo. It therefore still fulfills an important task.
The mill can be visited by appointment or if the miller is present.
It is owned by the municipality of Heemstede and has national monument status.