De Huisman (The Houseman), Zaandam

The Houseman, an enchanting octagonal tower mill situated within the picturesque Zaanse Schans, represents a splendid historical relic that has undergone a remarkable revival.

Since 1955, De Huisman has graced the De Haan warehouse, an iconic fixture of the Zaanse Schans. However, its history extends further back, with historical records hinting that this mill originally stood on the Blauwe Pad, now recognized as Claude Monetstraat, in Zaandam, dating as far back as 1786. This petite yet captivating mill, with its unassuming 11.5-meter radius, has served a multitude of roles throughout its existence. It has functioned as a snuff mill (tobacco mill), a mustard mill, and even as a sawmill.

Today the Houseman has discovered a new vocation as a spice mill, nestled within the welcoming embrace of the Indie’s Welvaren Spice MIll. While the Houseman once thrived as a fully operational mustard production facility, it eventually adopted modern machinery for mustard processing. The mill now stands as a proud possession of the De Zaansche Molen Association, a devoted guardian of the region's illustrious milling heritage.

The comprehensive restoration of the Houseman commenced in January 2010, ushering in a new era for this historical treasure. As part of this ambitious endeavor, the contemporary mustard production facilities found a new home in an industrial estate in Wormerveer. A brand new section was thoughtfully constructed adjacent to the De Haan warehouse, and in December 2010, the distinctive octagonal mill was painstakingly installed. This modern section houses three pairs of edging stones, capable of being driven by both electrical and wind power. The intricate mechanism relies on a combination of drive belts and cam wheels, with one of the connecting edge stones featuring wooden components.

The De Haan warehouse, elevated by approximately 30 centimeters and fortified with a new foundation, currently hosts a charming spice shop.