Smedslättens gård

Did the hat maker’s widow ever dream her humble cottage would become a grand manor? Here at Smedslätten’s gård, the story unfolds. Smedslätten’s gård stands as a testament to changing times and the enduring legacy of a remarkable woman. This manor, nestled within a modern housing development, whispers tales of Stockholm’s past. The current main building, dating back to the early 1800s, is the last vestige of a larger agricultural estate. Smedslätten’s gård’s history is deeply intertwined with the land itself. In the 18th century, two crofts occupied this area: Övre Smedslätten and Nedre Smedslätten. The latter, situated where the manor now stands, was purchased in 1809 by Anna Margareta Lundberg, a widow who had inherited a considerable fortune from her hat-making husband. No longer a mere croft, Nedre Smedslätten became Smedslätten’s gård, a proper manor. Anna Margareta, with her newfound wealth, transformed Smedslätten’s gård. She constructed new farm buildings, housing for workers, and, most importantly, a grand manor house. The manor flourished. Livestock grazed in the fields, and the manor bustled with life. This wasn’t just a farm; it was a summer retreat for a prominent Stockholm family. The land surrounding Smedslätten’s gård even extended to a piece of meadow by Alviken, a testament to Anna Margareta’s ambition. After her death in 1832, Smedslätten’s gård passed through several owners. In 1858, it came into the possession of the Sunnerdahl family, who would leave their own indelible mark. The Sunnerdahls, particularly Magna Sunnerdahl, a noted philanthropist, used Smedslätten’s gård as their summer residence. They renovated the main building, adding a third floor and a stylish veranda. Magna’s legacy extended beyond Smedslätten’s gård. Her philanthropic efforts touched many lives in Stockholm. In 1922, a portion of the Smedslätten estate was sold to the city of Stockholm. Magna, however, retained the area surrounding the manor, a secluded oasis protected by a high, black fence. This “enchanted garden” became a local landmark. Even after further land sales, Smedslätten’s gård retained its unique charm. In the 1960s, the surrounding land was developed into the current housing area, but the main building survived. After serving as office space for many years, Smedslätten’s gård was converted into private apartments. Standing here today, the yellow, three-story manor, with its distinctive gambrel roof, serves as a reminder of its rich history. From humble beginnings as a croft, to a grand manor shaped by ambitious women, Smedslätten’s gård continues to tell its story.