Josephine Mill
Josephine Mill, photo courtesy Danie van der Merwe
Boundary Road in the suburb of Newlands is where Cape Town’s only surviving water mill can be found. Built in 1818, the Josephine Mill was operational during the mid-1800s, but by halfway through the 20th century it lay in disrepair.
However, thanks to the diligent work of the Cape Town Historical Society, this beautiful piece of machinery has been restored and is once again performing the function for which it was originally intended.
Today the Josephine Mill, complete with iron waterwheel, once again supplies the local community with freshly milled, stone-ground flour.
The Josephine Mill Museum displays artefacts recovered in the area and features an exhibit of the stone-milling process. The mill shop sells wholesome natural and organic products such as Josephine Mill stone-ground flour, which is made from top-quality, locally grown wheat and sold in reusable hemp sacks. The shop also supplies a range of freshly baked breads, homemade jams and condiments.
At the mill you can see plans outlining the original watercourses and pipes, and a Cornish steam boiler that was discovered on the banks of the Liesbeeck River. The boiler proves that Josephine Mill was once a steam mill. There are also etchings and grinding stones for viewing.
Should you wish to linger a bit longer and take in the old-world ambience of the mill and its surrounds, visit the Caveau Wine Bar and Deli on the edge of the Liesbeeck River. The restaurant is renowned for its award-winning fresh fare and its Cape wine cellar.
The museum is open from Mondays to Fridays from 10h00-16h00, and after hours by arrangement. The shop and restaurant remain open until late. Guided tours take place daily at 10h30, 11h30 and 14h30.
The Josephine Mill's waterwheel is once again being used to produce stone-ground flour. Photo courtesy of DanieVDM
The Cornish steam boiler discovered on the banks of the Liesbeeck River. Photo courtesy of DanieVDM
- Phone: +27 (0)21 686 4939
- Email: mill@josephinemill.co.za
- Website: http://www.josephinemill.co.za
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