Stepping into Paschens malmgård is like stepping back in time. This charming manor house, nestled amidst the green expanse of Bellevueparken, carries with it a rich tapestry of history. It all began in 1755 when Johan Pasch, a renowned court painter, purchased the land and envisioned a summer retreat. After a trip to Italy, Pasch, inspired by the exquisite beauty of the Renaissance, decided to build a grand estate here. This wasn’t just any ordinary house, it was a marvel of rococo architecture. One of the most intriguing facts about the mansion is that its design was possibly inspired by the renowned artist Jean Eric Rehn, who was a close friend of Pasch. Rehn, who later became a professor at the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts, brought a touch of Italian elegance to the manor’s interior design.
Unfortunately, the original furnishings and décor are no longer present. Imagine stepping into a room adorned with opulent oil-painted wallpaper, intricate door panels, and ornate tile stoves – all testament to the refined tastes of the era. The garden was no less impressive. A sprawling kitchen garden bloomed with vibrant colors and a winding lime alley offered a shady retreat. Guests might have enjoyed the views from the terrace, the ambiance of the summerhouse, or the refreshing spray of a painted fountain.
After Pasch’s passing in 1769, the manor was acquired by his friend, Jean Eric Rehn. He, too, was captivated by Paschens malmgård’s charm and sought to enhance its beauty. However, maintaining such a grand estate was costly. Ultimately, Rehn sold it to Carl Sparre, a prominent military leader. Sparre expanded the estate, adding a new structure, a “summer palace,” which housed his extensive art collection. The entire area then came to be known as Bellevue – a fitting name, as its scenic location offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
As fate would have it, Gustav III, the king of Sweden, purchased Bellevue in 1791. It became a beloved summer retreat for the royals and their esteemed guests, including Princess Sofia Albertina, Crown Prince Oskar I, and even prominent foreign dignitaries. But the manor’s story doesn’t end there. After a period of disuse in the early 1800s, Paschens malmgård was transformed into a silkworm farm. Surprisingly, the “Society for Domestic Silk Cultivation” moved into the house and planted mulberry trees in the garden. This silkworm project, though ambitious, ultimately met with limited success and was abandoned in 1890. In the 1930s, the manor served as a home for unwed mothers and later, following World War II, as a haven for Finnish orphans.
Today, Paschens malmgård, classified as a cultural heritage site, stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring charm of this iconic location. It serves as a vibrant conference and banquet space, allowing people to create their own stories within its hallowed halls.