Picture Villa Sandrew. It stands proudly on Floragatan 4 in Stockholm’s Östermalm district. This isn’t just any house. It’s a piece of Stockholm’s history. Villa Sandrew has witnessed eras unfold. From its humble beginnings in 1881 to its current status as the headquarters of the Anders Sandrews Stiftelse. Its story is one of transformation and adaptation.
Initially a two-story villa with two seven-room apartments it was built by Johan Peter Schonberg. He cleverly concealed a three-story apartment building a stable and a carriage shed on the property. The villa was sold to wholesaler J A Nyren. The villa’s transformation started.
In 1917 gross merchant Nils Holmström took ownership. Architects Östlihn & Stark redesigned the villa. They added a floor creating a single-family home. The once ornate plaster facades were smoothed into a near-ascetic appearance. The building’s outward appearance was drastically altered. Its character was entirely reshaped.
Then came Herman Rasch a wealthy businessman. He purchased the villa in 1921. Rasch was a renowned art collector film producer and competitive rider. He converted the top floor into a stunning art gallery. Imagine Rembrandt Velasquez and Goya gracing the walls. A state-of-the-art home cinema was also installed. This was a cutting-edge feature for its time.
By the 1950s the building became offices. Around 1970 the Sandrews film and theatre company moved in. Today it serves as the headquarters for the Anders Sandrews Stiftelse. Villa Sandrew’s journey reflects Stockholm’s own evolution. It’s a testament to how a building’s purpose can change while still retaining its historical significance. This modest house has housed notable figures and incredible art. It remains a striking landmark in Stockholm’s landscape. Villa Sandrew’s history is far from over. What new chapters will it write?