Watermill Ter Biest

So-called "Ter Biestmolen". Old watermill dependent on the abbey of Ename and probably dating back to the 11th century. During the French Revolution in 1793 it was confiscated and sold. Presumably a corn and oil mill until it was sold in 1868, shortly afterwards the oil mill disappeared. In 1883 the new owner J. Simoens carried out renovation and enlargement works. Activity ceased after a fatal accident in 1969. Now set up as a catering business.
Mill located on a side pass of the Zwalm. At the brick bridge over the Zwalm, which is dated 1921 in a cement buttress, double lockwork with oak leave, and iron turbulents. Water channels with stepped breakwaters. Replaced in 1980 by an automatic valve weir a few meters away.
Spacious mill building of four bays and three storeys under a gable roof (tiled), largely from 1883 by the addition of two upper floors. White-painted brick building with rectangular windows with iron rod division and bluestone sill. On the left side gable facing the street, with wall anchors, presumably one remaining year anchor 7 and ornamental anchor in gable. Rear extension on the south side with preserved diesel engine and electric motor originally under pent roof, now under roof terrace.
Rare drive system with built-in grinding sluice, equipped with two overstroke-type water wheels; shaft system can be operated from grinding floor.
Inside. On grinding floor, ash pit with brick ring wall capped with bluestone on which three iron columns supporting oak beams of stone bed, fitted with iron railway wheel and underneath a second wheel for motor drive, flour chute and trough. In the stone attic, gallows and two of the former four milling chairs, a "Midget Maxima Roller Mill N 141" with accompanying bump and grain cleaner with funnel, an oat crusher, a mulder box. In hatch attic with preserved roof trusses, hatchery, grain cleaner and balance.
In the right attachment, a mono-cylinder diesel engine and an old electric motor ACEC.

Source: https://inventaris.onroerenderfgoed.be/erfgoedobjecten/45213

Rudy Wuyts