Tjolöholm Castle is Sweden’s leading Art and Crafts property. The castle was built between 1898 and 1904, and is a mixture of 16th century English architecture combined with all the modern comforts from the turn of the century.
Surrounding the castle is a formal garden, which slowly transforms into natural English style parkland. The estate is situated on it's own peninsular, and numerous footpaths lead through oak forests and coastal landscapes.
A society of its own Tjolöholm is unique in that the estate was built to provide it's own little society. Inside the castle’s gates an ideal community was built. In addition to the castle there is a village, where the estates workers originally lived, with it's own church and village hall including a library, school and meeting place. The workers village is an example of the last century’s ‘National Romantic’ style, some of the houses have been restored and are available to rent.
British commodities on the Swedish Westcoast There can be no castle in England as genuinely British as Tjolöholm Castle. Yet it was designed by a young architect who had never set foot on the British Isles. Inspired by the English magazine ‘The Studio’, and influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, he created the seemingly British estate, which is still a world of it's own.
The castle is one of few that were built in Sweden during the 20th century. It has a magnificent location, with a fantastic view over the Halland archipelago. The aspiration was to create a home that was both comfortable and imposing. The grand building was filled with all the modern necessities of the day. A steam driven power plant on the estate supplied electricity for the brand new light bulbs. An intricate system of warm air ducts, radiators and open fireplaces heated the castle during the winter months. A telephone was installed so the family could keep in contact with relatives and friends in Gothenburg. Another technical marvel found at the castle was the countess’ hairdryer – a meter tall contraption that ran on paraffin.
Both the contractor and the architect wanted to create something that was entirely unique and individual, down to the very last detail. Anyone who visits Tjolöholm Castle can see that they succeeded. Today Tjolöholm Castle is a monument to skilled handcraft and attention to detail.
