Kevinge gård

Hidden amongst the vibrant tapestry of Stockholm lies Kevinge gård, a place where whispers of history echo through time. Have you ever wondered what secrets lie behind those elegant walls? Kevinge gård’s story begins long before its grand manor house graced the shores of Edsviken. Evidence suggests this land, nestled in present-day Danderyd municipality, bustled with life as far back as the Viking Age. A nearby burial ground, marked by seven distinct stone formations, offers a glimpse into the lives of those early inhabitants. Over the centuries, Kevinge gård transitioned through various roles. It served as a humble farmstead, a noble’s estate, and even a royal holding under Ulriksdal Palace in the 17th century. In 1791, the winds of change brought Petter Eneroth, a gold and silversmith, to Kevinge gård. He leased the land and embarked on a transformative journey, constructing the magnificent stone manor house that stands today. Legend even whispers that King Gustav III himself sketched a design for the building, a regal touch on this emerging landmark. Eneroth also cultivated a beautiful garden, adding another layer of charm to the estate. The story of Kevinge gård intertwines with remarkable figures who shaped Swedish history. In 1818, Gabriel Poppius, a prominent justice, acquired the estate. A passionate advocate for modern agricultural practices, he transformed Kevinge gård into a model farm, showcasing innovative techniques. His daughter’s marriage to the renowned chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius adds a romantic flourish to the narrative. Legend has it their engagement took place beneath the Berzelii oak, a majestic tree still standing on the grounds, though time has taken its toll. The estate changed hands again in 1857, becoming the home of Otto Gustaf Bobergh. Bobergh, who had amassed a fortune in Paris as a partner in the fashion house Worth et Bobergh, brought a touch of Parisian elegance to Kevinge gård. He modernized the manor house, adding a billiards room and a studio, and constructed charming Swiss-style pavilions near the water’s edge. He also built a large barn, now the clubhouse for the Stockholm Golf Club. The legacy of Kevinge gård continued into the 20th century. In 1931, a portion of the land was sold to the Stockholm Golf Club, transforming the former barn into their clubhouse. Later, the main building served as a nursing school under the ownership of Stockholm County Council. Today, after facing threats of demolition, Kevinge gård has been lovingly restored and stands as a private residence. Its walls hold centuries of stories, a testament to the lives and legacies that have shaped this remarkable estate.