These windmills are individually owned and cannot be sold without the new owner signing a document agreeing to maintain the mill in working order and not build a house or hotel.

The position of the sails have distinct meanings. The vertical stationary position indicates the miller is not home but he will return shortly.

The sails are used to communicate to the community information about the mill’s operational status and of significant events of the owner. Using the sail positions as a form of communication is typical of Dutch ingenuity.

An X Configuration signifies a long break or that the mill is closed.

The sail parked at the 1 o'clock Position represents joy or the birth of a baby.

The sail parked at the 11 o'clock Position indicates mourning or death.