What is a stiepel?
A stiepel is a Dutch term, used in the east of the Netherlands, for the removable timber centre post between the two leaves of a farmhouse’s large barn door, against which the leaves close. The door itself is locally called a baander or niendeur: the wide threshing floor door of the hall-house. Other Dutch names for the post are middelaar, middeler and stijpel.
Because the post could be lifted out, the full width of the opening could be cleared for a loaded harvest wagon. With the doors shut, it gave both leaves a solid stop, much like a loose mullion. In the Twente region the stiepel is often painted white and stands out clearly at the rear of the farmhouse.
The stiepel mark
Many stiepels carry a carved or painted sign, the stiepelteken, usually around mid-height. It started as a long X and later often took an hourglass shape. It was probably meant as protection against lightning or evil forces. Christian symbols such as crosses or chalices were often added later.
Application
- Recognising it. On a Dutch hall-house with a large gable door, look for a loose upright between the leaves.
- Keep it in conversions. When the door opening is glazed, leave the stiepel visible. It is part of the farmhouse’s character.
- Do not sand off the mark. An old stiepel mark has heritage value. Photograph it before cleaning or repainting.
- Check protection status. For a listed farmhouse, ask the local heritage authority before repairing or replacing it.
Common mistake: replacing a rotten stiepel with a plain new post and losing the mark. Copy the sign onto the new post or keep the original piece.
Related terms
- Threshing floor door
- Hall-house
- Threshing floor
- Farmhouse
- Mullion
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