How about a story of elegance and transformation? That is the story of Brandbjerg. This beautiful white manor stands surrounded by woods, parks, and a serene lake. Brandbjerg’s history stretches back to the late 16th century. But its story is far from over.
Brandbjerg first appeared in records in 1543. Peder Juul, a nobleman, owned it then. For quite some time, Brandbjerg was connected to the Kaas noble family. Palle Rodsteen inherited Brandbjerg in 1638. He had traveled Europe as a young man. After returning, he fought against Sweden. Then he settled at Brandbjerg until his death in 1643.
After 1660, noble power declined. Common citizens could buy manors. Jens Lauridsen Risom, a commoner, bought Brandbjerg in 1680. Risom tried to expand the estate’s land. He almost traded for crown land near Jelling. But King Christian V changed his mind. He wanted to keep the ancient royal burial ground.
After Risom died in 1697, Brandbjerg changed hands often. Hans Saabye owned it from 1763 to 1770. During that time, a new main building was constructed. In 1774, Jørgen Brockdorff purchased Brandbjerg. He significantly expanded the estate’s land. Brandbjerg became a complete manor. This meant its land was tax-exempt.
Brockdorff’s eagerness to acquire land led to his bankruptcy. Niels Jermiin, Brockdorff’s brother-in-law, bought Brandbjerg at auction in 1778. Since 1769, landowners could keep tax exemptions. This was even if they sold tenant farms. Jermiin sold the tenant farms in 1785. He kept the tax exemption.
Throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, Brandbjerg had many owners. In 1936, the state bought the main part of the estate. In 1948, craftsmen bought the manor. They established a crafts school. Since 1964, Brandbjerg has been a folk high school. It is called Brandbjerg Højskole. Today, the high school is an independent institution.
The main building you see now was built in 1766. Hans Saabye built it to replace an older building from 1754. Saabye constructed a three-winged building with a low central section. The main building has been remodeled several times. In 1902, a front gable was added to the main wing. The gables became stepped. Originally, the building was half-timbered. Later, it was set in brick. In 1950, the west wing became student housing. The main building is not listed as protected.
The farm buildings lie northeast of the main building. Parts of the old farm burned in 1936. Only the west wing was rebuilt. The farm buildings were converted for school use. The farm buildings are also not listed as protected.
Brandbjerg also has a ghost story. They say a beautiful young noblewoman haunts the manor. She lived here during the Swedish wars in the 1600s. She fell in love with a Swedish soldier. She planned to run away with him. But the soldier never came. Her father forced her to confess. Then he killed her. Now, the Grey Lady appears at midnight during a full moon.
Brandbjerg means steep hill. The high school sits 130 meters above sea level. It is on the edge of steep, wooded slopes. The school owns about 100 acres. Most of it is woods and meadows. Brandbjerg Sønderskov is largely untouched forest. The Grejsdalstien trail passes near Brandbjerg Højskole.
Brandbjerg Herregård is an excellent place to reflect on history. It is a place of education and natural beauty. Remember the stories of noble families and star-crossed lovers. As you leave Brandbjerg, carry with you the spirit of transformation.