Sprietmolen

Hidden along the Maalbeek, where whispers of the past still linger, sits the Sprietmolen. Can you hear the gentle rush of the water, a constant reminder of the mill’s industrious heart? The Sprietmolen, also known as Ter Spreetmolen, Driepikkelmolen, and Drijpikkelmolen, stands as a testament to a bygone era. This former watermill, located at Rotterik 11 in Strombeek-Bever, Grimbergen, carries a rich history dating back to before 1355. The Sprietmolen earned its name from the long-vanished Ter Spreet farm. Originally owned by the lords of Bouchout, this property, along with the mill, was gifted to Grimbergen Abbey in the 14th century. The Sprietmolen you see today is largely the result of an 1897 renovation, imbuing it with a neo-traditional charm, possibly under the watchful eye of King Leopold II. A gevelsteen, a stone plaque embedded in the wall, proudly displays this date, alongside another marking the earlier construction of 1742. Imagine the rhythmic churning of the millstones within the Sprietmolen, grinding grain into flour. Three such sets of stones once powered this bustling hub. The mill’s sturdy brick structure, accented with natural stone layers, speaks to its enduring legacy. Although the metal overshot water wheel is now gone, its presence can still be felt in the tranquil waters of the preserved millpond. The last miller, Eduard Vander Eycken, ceased his work here sometime before his passing in 1976. The interior, once a testament to the mill’s function, has been removed. The Sprietmolen, now a private residence, stands quietly. It serves as a reminder of the industrious spirit that once animated its walls and the flowing waters that powered its existence. Even in its repurposed state, the Sprietmolen whispers stories of the past, inviting us to imagine the lives and labors it once sustained.