The year is 1762. Elias von Langenberg a royal cellar master builds Riddersviks gård. He commissions the construction of this magnificent manor. This would become his family’s summer retreat. The portal proudly displays the year MDCCLXII in Roman numerals. This marks the completion of the main building.
Riddersviks gård sits majestically by Lake Mälaren. It’s part of the Lovsta area. This area boasts a history stretching back two thousand years. Evidence of Bronze Age settlements remain. The original crown tenant farm Flotwijk stood between the present manor and the lake. It covered just over two acres. The land changed hands in 1723. Lawyer and bailiff Isac Salmon purchased it. He then mortgaged it to Jacob Feif a member of parliament in Stockholm.
The main manor house initially consisted of a two-story central section. Two red-painted log wings with hipped roofs were also added. They were originally painted light oil color. In 1810 two single-story side buildings were added to enlarge the estate. Elias von Langenberg’s son Elias von Langenberg the younger inherited the estate in 1790. His business success allowed expansion. He bought most of Lövsta village’s land between 1790 and 1797.
Count Erik Ruuth became a significant owner of Riddersviks gård. He was the first owner to make it his permanent residence. Over the years about twenty owners have shaped Riddersviks gård’s destiny. Today Marcus Holmgren Torgil Zechel and Anna Rössel manage the property. They continue its legacy.
Stockholm acquired Riddersviks gård in 1885. They purchased it from mill owner Anders Mårten Ångman. The city planned to build a waste disposal station there. The station opened in 1889. Although the landfill and incinerator are gone a waste recycling center still operates. The city leased the farm’s land until the late 1970s. Now the buildings are used as stables.
For many years Stockholm’s city tree nursery thrived on nine hectares of the former farmland. It belonged to the city’s land office and moved there from Enskede in 1979. They sold around 1200 trees and 15000 shrubs annually. Major customers included the city’s land and traffic offices. They also sold to businesses and individuals. However in 2014 the city decided to replace the tree nursery. They planned to build approximately 550 housing units. After considering feedback the revised plan includes around 700 homes. This includes assisted living facilities service apartments a preschool and a new care home.
Riddersviks gård still hosts annual events. A Christmas market draws crowds. Walpurgis Night and Midsummer celebrations continue the tradition. A beautiful octagonal temple near the shore is a reminder of the manor’s rich past. It’s a popular venue for civil weddings. This little temple silently witnesses Midsummer celebrations since 1972. Hasselby Chess Club initiated this tradition. They continue to organize this annual event to this day. So take a moment to truly appreciate the stunning beauty and historical significance of Riddersviks gård. Its story unfolds before your very eyes.