Built in 1902, Villa Dagaborg whispers tales of elegance and lost love. This magnificent Art Nouveau villa, also known as Hedvigsdal, stands proudly beside the shimmering waters of Lake Magelungen. Villa Dagaborg was one of the very first houses built in Södertörn’s villa town. It was designed by architect R. L. Lindquist. The villa was commissioned by August von Hedenberg, a war judge. He named it “Dagaborg” after his beloved wife, Dagmar Cronholm. He intended it to be their summer retreat. Imagine the newlyweds, strolling through the lush gardens, their laughter echoing across the lake.
Villa Dagaborg’s striking white facade, adorned with ornate details like bay windows, festoons, and a balcony facing the lake, exudes a timeless charm. The interior boasted exquisite woodwork, reflecting the opulence of the era. The living space spanned an impressive 613 square meters, excluding the basement and attic. In 1902, the Hedenbergs moved into their dream home. They enjoyed a southerly exposure and a breathtaking view of Lake Magelungen. The extensive gardens, now overgrown, once featured a charming gazebo, a fountain, and a wide stone staircase leading down to the lake’s edge.
Tragically, their happiness was short-lived. Dagmar passed away in 1904, and the heartbroken Hedenberg sold Villa Dagaborg. In 1905, Peter Bolle, his wife, three children, three maids, and a servant moved in. By 1912, the villa was known as Hedvigsdal. During the 1930s, Georg Bolle, his wife, son, and a housekeeper resided within Villa Dagaborg’s walls. Georg, a wholesale merchant dealing in printing machinery, carried on the legacy of this remarkable residence. For a few years in the 1920s, Villa Dagaborg belonged to Hadar Schmidt, a manufacturer of office furniture and equipment. Finally, in 1968, the City of Stockholm acquired the property. Today, Villa Dagaborg serves as both a residence and artist studios, ensuring its continued presence in the city’s vibrant tapestry. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of elegance and enduring architectural beauty.