Historic Mansion and Stud Farm in Norway Set on Ancient Viking Lands

This property is on the market for 100,000,000 (~ €11.3M), listed with Nordvik.

The Norwegian mansion is set within a 413 acre estate with equestrian facilities for up to 50 horses, an 18-hole golf course, 4 tennis courts, extensive woodland and leased agricultural land.

Semb Hovedgård is set on ancient lands that were likely mentioned in Snorre's royal sagas, with evidence of a 5000 year old Viking settlement, and later a headquarters for the Vestfold kings.

The historic property has an incredible Romanesque vault in the basement, featuring several metre-thick walls, a fireplace, and a wine cellar, whose origins are unknown but is believed to belong to a former church or monastery.

In Norse, Semb «Sæeimr» means the farm (heimr) by the sea, and in 1825 Norse educator and politician Jacob Sverdrug purchased the property and established the first agricultural school in Norway, which became a gathering place for Scandinavian farmers.

In 1908, a fire ravaged the property and destroyed the main house. The present-day mansion was built in 1910 according to drawings by the architect Herman Backer, a prominent architect for the rich and powerful of the time.

In 1916, industrialist builder and former CEO of Norsk Hydro, Sam Eyde, purchased the farm and surrounding estates and established industrialised agriculture in Norway, in addition to creating the country’s top golf courses, and a top-of-the-line equestrian complex.

The 11 bedroom mansion offers 10,871 sq ft of interior space and was renovated by its current owner in 1998, offering modern amenities like surround sound and geothermal heating.

One of the most beautiful properties in Norway, Semb Hovedgård is just 3km from the centre of Horten, 30 minutes from Torp international airport, and 1 hour from central Oslo .

For those looking to own a piece of VIking history, there are no restrictions in Norway for foreign buyers.

All photos belong to the listing agency.