Before you stands Møllergård fra Ellested a testament to a bygone era. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living history. Picture the bustling activity of a 1700s watermill. Imagine the sounds of grinding stones and the rhythmic splash of water.
Møllergård fra Ellested is more than a pretty building. It’s a meticulously reconstructed watermill complex. It represents the life of a miller and his family in 1890s Denmark. The main house is largely unchanged since the 1700s. This speaks volumes about the miller’s status. It shows his influence within the community.
The mill served the local farmers. They brought their grain for milling. They enjoyed a break in the miller’s cozy common room. This room had a tiled stove and long tables. It was almost always full. The miller’s income wasn’t just from milling. He also sold beer and schnapps. He received payment for milling with a toldekopp. This is a round scoop with a fixed measure. For each sack of grain received he took one or more scoops. The extra grain he sold.
The mill complex includes a large mill and machine room. Two large grain grinders stand here. They were driven by their own mill wheels. These were located outside the mill house. Above the mill room was a large grain storage area. The wheels were overshot wheels. This meant that the water flowed onto the wheel from above. The water came from a higher-lying dam behind the yard. The water flow was regulated.
During harvest time the miller used the mill’s power for threshing. Long ropes connected the mill to the thresher. This would be located either in the yard or in the barn. Møllergård fra Ellested is a fascinating glimpse into the past. The miller’s life and the technology of the time are on display.
The mill’s rooms are furnished as they were in the late 1800s. This reflects the elegant and ornate style of the period. The rooms are decorated in a sophisticated manner. They are furnished with upholstered furniture wicker chairs potted plants and lamps. The miller’s status is evident in his well-appointed home. Møllergård fra Ellested’s garden too is a delight. It’s a green space laid out in the English style. Meandering paths lead to gazebos where visitors can relax.
Anna Hellesen was the daughter of the last miller at Ellested. Her detailed accounts brought the past to life. Her family operated the mill from 1825 until 1948. The stories and furniture from her family are preserved here. The mill’s detailed history is on display within the Møllergård. It’s a complete picture of the mill and those who lived there.