“Another manor house?” I hear you ask. Yes, but this one has quite a story. Sandagergård stands proudly next to Sandager Church. It is not just a building. It is a landmark with tales from centuries past.
Sandagergård first appears in records from 1385. Squire Fin Nielsen Skriver owned it then. Ownership changed hands many times. The noble Quitzow family held it from 1485 to 1678. In 1834, the County of Gyldensteen acquired it. Since then, Sandagergård has belonged to the large Gyldensteen estate.
Many structures stood here before. Swedish soldiers looted and destroyed the manor house in 1659. This happened during the Second Carl Gustaf War between Denmark and Sweden. The west wing dates back to the early 17th century. The north wing was built in 1713. An east wing existed but was torn down in 1795. The half-timbered barn from 1725 is especially striking.
Imagine the echoes of children’s laughter here. After World War II, Sandagergård housed Danish children from Flensburg. It provided them with a safe haven. Sandagergård sits on a rampart close to Sandager Church. Its location adds to its historic charm.
Let us turn back to the history. Jesper Henriksen once owned Sandagergård. He helped to establish the University of Copenhagen. He even became its first rector in 1479. Jørgen Henningsen Qvitzow was another notable owner. He was wealthy and became the rigskansler in 1536.
Erik Frederiksen Qvitzow also played a significant role. He was the governor of Funen. In 1658, Swedish soldiers attacked him. They held him under arrest at Sandagergård. He witnessed his properties being looted and ruined.
Today, Frants Erik Bernstoff-Gyldensteen owns Sandagergård. The main building consists of three whitewashed wings. These wings have tiled roofs. Ivar Pedersen Hviid gave the main building its current look in 1795. He had most of the east wing demolished. Only a few sections by the center wing were kept.
Sandagergård’s history is rich and varied. It includes noble families, wars and academic achievements. It also includes providing refuge for children in need. Sandagergård remains privately owned. It can only be viewed from the road. Yet, its story is visible to all who pass by. It is a testament to the layers of Danish history. Sandagergård continues to stand as a proud landmark.