Edelgave

In 1663, a grand gesture reshaped the landscape around Edelgave. King Frederick III bestowed the Edelgave estate upon Admiral Henrik Bjelke and his wife, Edel Ulfeldt. This royal gift, a “noble gift” – Edelgave – marked the beginning of a fascinating chapter in the estate’s history. Edelgave, originally modest farmland under Esrum Monastery, was transformed. The Dano-Swedish Wars had ravaged the existing farms. So Bjelke, energized by this royal favor, expanded the estate. He incorporated neighboring tenant farms and constructed a half-timbered, three-winged manor house. Edelgave blossomed under his stewardship. It officially became a manor house in 1682. The story of Edelgave is one of resilience and reinvention. Disaster struck in the early 1780s. A devastating fire consumed the manor house. Jakob Bornemann, the owner at the time, commissioned architect Andreas Kirkerup to rebuild. Kirkerup’s neoclassical design, completed in 1791, is the Edelgave you see today. The main building, with its plastered facade and black-glazed tile roof, stands as a testament to Kirkerup’s vision. One-story service wings flank the two-story main house, creating a charming cour d’honneur. The surrounding 300 hectares tell further tales. Edelgave Skov and Slotsskoven, two small woods, offer tranquil escapes. The remaining land, a mix of farmland and orchards, reflects Edelgave’s agricultural heritage. Close by, the 700-year-old Smørholm, the original site of the main castle building, whispers of even older history. Edelgave’s story extends beyond its walls and into popular culture. The estate has served as a backdrop for numerous Danish films. From “Tre finder en kro” (1955) to “Fætrene på Torndal” (1973), Edelgave’s elegant presence has graced the silver screen, adding another layer to its rich tapestry of stories.