Amidst the modern cityscape of Stockholm, Stora Frösunda stands as a testament to a bygone era. This grand estate whispers tales of innovation, royalty, and a touch of architectural whimsy. Stora Frösunda wasn’t always the castle-like structure you see today. Originally built in 1783 as a stately manor, it underwent a dramatic transformation in the 1890s. Colonel Karl Amundson, the owner at the time, reimagined the estate. He added a tower, Renaissance gables, bay windows, and turrets. This gave Stora Frösunda its current fairytale appearance.
The estate’s story begins much earlier, in the Middle Ages. Frösunda village, with its five farms, was the largest in Solna parish. Two farms were known as Lower or Little Frösunda. The remaining three were called Upper or Stora Frösunda. Picture a time before Haga Park existed as we know it. Stora Frösunda’s land originally included what is now Haga Park, including the partially preserved farm complex, Gamla Haga. The Brahe family owned the estate from the 17th century. The area was even called Brahelund during their ownership.
In 1778, the last Brahe owner leased Stora Frösunda and Brahelund to Colonel Adolf Fredrik Wijnbladh. He was a talented farmer and fortification officer. Wijnbladh found the farm buildings in disrepair, some even in ruins. The land was being managed inefficiently. He acquired the property in 1782 and promptly built a proper manor house in 1783 amidst the dilapidated buildings. Wijnbladh himself described this contrast in his writings from 1805. He commissioned his colleague from the fortification, Gabriel von Spången, as the architect.
Interestingly, the interior was designed in the Pompeian style, possibly inspired by the Haga Pavilion. Wijnbladh also oversaw the creation of Haga Park, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to agriculture. He even published his farming techniques in 1805. Stora Frösunda flourished under Wijnbladh’s care. He built two detached wings, a music pavilion, stables, and a horse-driven mill. There was even a distillery and a brick factory on the estate. South of the manor, he planted a large orchard with over 400 fruit trees. Following the royal example, he also created an English park on a hill northwest of the main building, extending towards Lilla Frösunda.
Sadly, after King Gustav III’s death in 1792, Wijnbladh faced financial hardship and had to sell Stora Frösunda in 1806. The estate changed hands fifteen times in the first half of the 19th century. It was eventually bought by Judge Tage Sylvan in 1857. He revitalized the neglected buildings. He also added the small, white-plastered gatehouse in the classical style at the western entrance. Stora Frösunda continued its journey through time. Today, SAS Institute owns the estate. They have carefully restored the buildings and park. As you stand here, at Stora Frösunda, you can still sense echoes of its rich past. This hidden gem of Stockholm offers a glimpse into centuries of Swedish history. It is a place where architectural styles blend and stories of innovation and royal connections intertwine.