— The story

A family business with six generations of history

A true family business — for six generations the mill estate on the Molenkreek has been in our family's hands. Today Robert's children Jason and Megan and Megan's partner Ricky run Guesthouse Ensenada and Grand Cafe El Molino together. No shareholders, no chain — just one family making paradise more beautiful together.

1812 The windmill on the Molenkreek
6 Generations of family on the estate
2009 Guesthouse Ensenada opens
8 Suites on the estate
Family business for six generations

Six generations on the mill estate

This estate is not an investor project. It is a place with deep roots.

The windmill on our Molenkreek has stood since 1812 — for two centuries grain was milled here for the entire village. The mill estate itself has been in our family for six generations. The cowshed and warehouse surrounding the mill have been lovingly converted into eight suites. The mill itself is now Grand Cafe El Molino — wedding venue, restaurant, and the beating heart of the estate.

In 2009 we opened Guesthouse Ensenada. Bruges chocolatiers provided the pralines for the festive opening — a bond we still cherish. Since then we have touched every room, renewed every corner, and in 2026 a quarter of the suites were completely renovated.

We believe in stillness, space, good food and genuine hospitality. In working with the finest restaurants in the region. In a holiday where you can truly step out of the rhythm of everyday life. Welcome — to the family.

Through the centuries

Two centuries on the mill estate

  1. 1812

    In the family since 1812

    The mill estate comes into our family through a public sale in Eeklo — before Napoleon's registrar. For two centuries grain is milled here for the whole village, and the estate has passed down from generation to generation ever since.

  2. Six generations

    The estate stays in the family

    The mill estate passes from generation to generation — six generations, to this day. No investors, no chain: family.

  3. 2009

    Guesthouse Ensenada opens its doors

    The cowshed and warehouse around the windmill are lovingly converted into suites. Bruges chocolatiers provide the pralines for the festive opening.

  4. Today

    Two businesses, one family

    Jason, Megan and Ricky run Guesthouse Ensenada and Grand Cafe El Molino together. In 2026 four suites were completely renewed.

Meet us

The people behind the estate

Jason

Jason

Owner & miller

Together with Ricky he looks after lunch at Grand Cafe El Molino — from toasties to sharing boards. He is also the estate's miller, keeping the sails turning.

Megan

Megan

Owner & wedding planner

Plans complete weddings at El Molino and arranges every special moment on the estate — from anniversaries to honeymoons. Never forgets a name.

Robert

Robert

Founder

Sixth generation on the mill estate. In 2009 he gave the estate a new purpose by developing the boutique hotel; Grand Cafe El Molino followed in 2021. Today his children Jason and Megan and Megan's partner Ricky run the hotel and the grand café.

Ricky

Ricky

Owner & operational heart

Megan's partner. With Jason he runs lunch at Grand Cafe El Molino. Early to rise, late to finish: Ricky also keeps the whole estate moving — from the pool installation to the garden park.

Justin

Online marketing & AI

Builds and maintains the website and runs the online marketing. With a passion for AI, he automates processes within the business — so the team can keep focusing on what matters most: genuine hospitality.

Our residents

The four horses of the estate

Behind the estate, in the meadow on the Molenkreek, live our four horses. Guests are welcome to feed them — we keep buckets of carrots ready. A firm favourite with children and adults alike.

Don (zoontje) en Hestreilla (moeder)

Don (zoontje) en Hestreilla (moeder)

Good food

Lovely dining nearby

From the windmill on our own estate to charming bistros and beach pavilions nearby — our personal favourites for eating out.

On the estate Grand Cafe El Molino Lunch, drinks or dinner in the historic windmill — a short walk from your suite. Taste the famous apple pie made with our own flour or a sharing board at sunset. View menu El Molino is regularly booked for private events. Check the opening hours in advance on elmolino.nl — when closed, we offer an alternative in the Ensenada breakfast room.
Our favourite spots
  • Bistro Boone Schoondijke €
  • Bistro De Koning Waterlandkerkje €
  • Strandpaviljoen Woest Nieuwvliet €
  • Strandpaviljoen Loods 10 Breskens €
See all our favourite spots