More flax
Preetjes Mill
Retting, breaking, and scutching. We open the flax dictionary on our way to the Preetjes Mill in Heule. In this last working flax scutching mill in Europe, former miller Ivo Deprez connected the star mill to wind energy in 1866 to process the flax. At its peak, Heule had no fewer than ten scutching mills!
Visit
Thanks to the Vrienden van Preetjes, the old mill is now protected heritage, and inside you can discover what its creaking, charming beams have to tell. The mill underwent a thorough renovation in 2026. Our millers Henri, Koen and Jurgen are happy to welcome you to this flax-scutching mill.
Mini millers
A suitcase tailored to children between the ages of 5 and 12. For the little ones, there is a mill colouring page, but you can also play the mystery of the grain pots. Or get to work with an anemometer and compass... Who will craft a spinning wheel for the patron saint of millers? Welcome to The Mill Brigade! Ask about it!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Address: Hoge Dreef, Heule (2.6 km walk from Texture)
- When: April to September, every third Sunday of the month. In 2026, the mill will be turning on 19 July, 16 August and 20 September.
- Hours: 2 to 5 p.m.
- Exceptionally open on: Mill Day Flanders, Heritage Day (13 September 2026), Mill Day East and West Flanders (18 October 2026)
- Leie Region West cycle network: depart from Texture towards the Leie to cycle junction 10, then choose junctions 63 and 14