Nestled on the north side of Bagsværd Lake lies Tusculum. It stands just 10 km north of Copenhagen’s heart. But Tusculum is more than just a building. It is a place with a past.
In the 18th century, areas north of Copenhagen became popular. People sought scenic views and recreation. Meadows, woods, and lakes drew them in. Country houses began to appear. Tusculum is one of these. It was once part of the Frederiksdal estate. This estate sold off properties for country house construction. These new properties were called Ny Frederiksdal or New Frederiksdal. Sørro, Marienborg, Sophienholm, and Christianelyst were also part of this group.
Tusculum’s story starts before this division. Frederiksdal’s first forester’s house stood here. In 1746, Joost and Gysbert van Hemert leased land. They built a country house. Perhaps they expanded it. A new leasing document suggests this in 1752. It was issued by the prime minister’s widow. Joost van Hemert later owned his brother’s share. His widow held the house until she died in 1778.
The house then passed to Admiral A. N. de Fontenay, their son-in-law. In 1791, his widow sold it to Else Marie de Bang. She then sold Tusculum to Jens Friedenreich Hage in 1798. The buildings and garden stretched on both sides of the road. Hage’s heirs sold it to J. A. RalTard, a pastor. He owned it until 1850.
In 1954, Gregers Christian, Count Raben bought it. He named it Tusculum. Before this, it was simply Frederiksdal Lyststed or Frederiksdal Country House. He gave it to his foster daughter, Amalie Raben. She married the Norwegian writer Andreas Munch in 1865.
Other owners followed. These included C. F. Rich and wine merchant Lorentz Petersen.
In 2004, real estate agents Peter Norvig and Hanne Nørrisgaard bought Tusculum for DKK 45 million. Lars Kollind and Vibeke Wesarg Riemer acquired it in 2013 for DKK 45.5 million.
As of April 2023, Tusculum was for sale for DKK 72 million.
Today, Tusculum stands as a testament to changing times. Its neoclassical architectural style whispers of its 18th-century origins. It has seen families come and go. It has shifted from estate land to a private residence. It is a beautiful piece of Danish history. So next time you pass Nybrovej 375, remember the story of Tusculum.