Wheatmill the Windotter - IJsselstein

The Windotter was built as a stone windmill in 1732 by order of the lord of IJsselstein; it was a so-called coercive mill where farmers were obliged to have their grain ground. Farmers were obliged to have their grain milled, and the milling fee was also subject to a tax. By building the mill on the south-west side of the ramparts around the old town, a good wind catching was guaranteed. After several leasers, the mill was sold publicly in 1812 and has been in private ownership ever since.

In 1881, a steam engine was installed in an outbuilding, so that the mill could also be operated in windless weather. The last miller sold the mill in 1918, after which part of the cap, running gear and sails were demolished. Until 1978 the mill was used as a residence and as a storage place for fuel.

In 1984, the municipality of IJsselstein bought the remainder and had it restored as a fully serviceable windmill on the basis of historical data. This restoration was completed in 1987. The mill is now owned by the 's-Herenkorenmolen foundation in IJsselstein and grinds grain for artisanal warm bakers in south-western Utrecht.

Several bakeries sell Windotter bread, and in the mill shop and at liquor store Pinot you can buy top-fermented Windotter beer.