Picture the elegant facade of Norsborgs herrgård Orangeriet. This beautiful structure stands as a testament to a bygone era. It’s part of a larger estate a grand manor house steeped in history. Norsborgs herrgård was built in the late 1700s. It was commissioned by Johan Liljencrantz a powerful figure. He served as finance minister under King Gustav III. Liljencrantz also owned other estates. He even built the main house at nearby Sturehov castle. He was the owner of the famous Mariebergs porcelain factory. Its distinctive white-glazed stoves are still renowned today.
Norsborgs herrgård Orangeriet sits within a larger area of national interest. This is one of Stockholm’s so-called Bornsjö estates. The main building unfortunately burned down in 2019. Only the masonry remains chimneys and smoke vents stand as silent witnesses. The fire was initially investigated as arson. However it was later determined not to be deliberately set. Two Sweden Democrat politicians lived in the main building. They escaped unharmed.
The grounds surrounding Norsborgs herrgård Orangeriet tell a tale of their own. The area was once known simply as Borg. Liljencrantz’s wife Eleonora nicknamed Nora gave the estate its current name Noras borg Norsborg. It’s believed the main building was designed by architect Olof Tempelman. Sadly no blueprints survive. The building itself embodied the late Gustavian style. It was clad in yellow painted standing paneling with white details. A hipped and broken roof covered in tiles topped it all. The entrance boasted an antique-inspired pediment supported by four columns. The main building was flanked by outbuildings that still stand today. Large farm buildings are located near the entrance.
Liljencrantz also created an English-style park. This was situated amidst ancient Viking burial mounds. He constructed a small rotunda in 1812 known as Eleonora’s Parasol. It’s believed Tempelman designed this temple as well. The park features a variety of trees. Oaks poplars larches cypresses lindens beeches and chestnuts thrive there. English gardens aimed for a natural romantic feel. This was achieved through winding paths and diverse trees. Norsborgs herrgård’s park is one of Sweden’s best preserved English gardens. A decorative tower was added to the shoreline in 1859. Architect Johan Fredrik Åbom designed it.
The Liljencrantz family owned the estate until the late 1800s. Stockholm city acquired it in 1901. They needed the land to build Norsborg Waterworks. The waterworks drew water from nearby Bornsjön spring. Stockholm Water still owns the property today. It is currently leased to private individuals. The main building at Norsborg influenced other manor houses. Ladviks gård in Salem and Uttringe gård in the same municipality followed its design. The Norsborgs herrgård Orangeriet remains a tranquil haven. It is a reminder of a rich history and elegant design. Its story continues to resonate today in the heart of Stockholm.