Jos and Annie sell their mill house from 1830: ‘It was once a ruin’

You don’t often see a mill as a home. Yet Jos and Annie have lived in the De Goede Wachting mill at Moleneind in Chaam since 1980. “Every time I drove from Bavel to Annie in Chaam, I passed here,” says Jos. “I said then: if this ever comes up for sale, I want it.”

The mill dates from 1830 and has a turbulent history. “Shortly after construction it burned down,” says Jos. “The mill was then rebuilt, but it was severely damaged in a storm in 1920. The blades and hood were removed and it was never restored.”

When the mill came up for sale in poor condition, Jos seized his opportunity. “I bought it at a public auction. There was only a round hull with an old shed attached to it. We put up walls, made a kitchen and just started.”

Over the years, Jos gave the mill its character back. He took parts from a demolished mill in Belgium and incorporated them into the building. “This gave the inside something of a real mill again,” he says proudly. “We made the hood from scratch.”

Living with a view of the greenery
The mill house grew into a full-fledged house with 452 square meters of living space. The asking price is 995,000 euros. Inside, the enormous living room measuring fifteen by nine meters is particularly striking, with a wooden floor and a panoramic view. “You have space and freedom here. We only hear the birds. It is wonderfully quiet living.”

Recognition point
The mill is located just outside the village center of Chaam, on the edge of a quiet area. “There is no longer any construction in the area. You can walk or cycle from here to Ulvenhout or Breda, without having to leave the greenery.”

Although the mill has not been in use for over a century, it is still a landmark in the landscape. “Walkers often stop here at the bench in front of the mill. It is a place that stays with people.”

Farewell with nostalgia
After more than forty years, Jos and Annie say goodbye to their special house. “Our son still lives upstairs, but he is building his own house and is moving. When he leaves, it will be a big deal for the two of us,” says Jos. “And Annie has minor health problems, so the maintenance becomes too heavy.”

Jos gives the house to someone who falls in love with the place as much as he did at the time. “For someone who comes to live here at a young age, this is a place to enjoy for a lifetime.”