Built in the 1880s Lilla Ängby gård stands before us. This charming little red farmhouse whispers tales of a bygone era. It’s more than just a building. It’s a piece of Stockholm’s history.
Lilla Ängby gård isn’t just any farmhouse. It was built by Knut Ljunglöf a prominent figure known as the “Snus king”. He was a successful snuff manufacturer. Ljunglöf owned vast lands around Blackeberg. He built this farmhouse. His gardener lived here.
Imagine the life of this gardener. He worked for one of Stockholm’s wealthiest men. He lived in this modest dwelling. The sounds of the city would have been distant. The farm was near the 17th-century road linking Stockholm to the ferry at Tyska Botten. This road was historically significant. It was used by the royals traveling to Drottningholm Palace.
Lilla Ängby gård wasn’t always isolated. Numerous other cottages lined Blackebergsvägen. They formed a chain of houses along the royal route. Strategically placed these cottages served the royals and their court. A milestone stood nearby marking the distance to Stockholm. This milestone was erected in 1778 by the governor of Stockholm County.
The original farm was part of a larger estate. Stora Ängby. Lilla Ängby was separated from it during the 1700s. The land itself has an even richer history. In 1689 the Crown seized a portion of Stora Ängby’s land. This was to create a new ferry crossing to Drottningholm. The ferry was essential for transporting materials and the royal court.
Lilla Ängby gård reflects the area’s agricultural past. The surrounding landscape was farmland and meadows. The area near the farmhouse was likely used for grazing. Today schools and houses stand where fields once grew.
After Ljunglöf’s death in 1920 the farm changed hands. The gardener Gustav Andersson and his family took over in 1920. They ran it as a market garden until 1948. They provided the local community with fresh produce.
In 1947 the city of Stockholm acquired Lilla Ängby gård. Today a preschool and a playground stand on the farm. Lilla Ängby gård remains. It’s a tranquil reminder of a significant past. It is a hidden gem in the heart of Blackeberg. It is a tangible link to Stockholm’s fascinating history. Its red walls seem to glow. They whisper tales of farmers and royalty. They also tell of the “Snus King”. They’re here for all of us to hear.