At Sparresholm Estate, history is brought to life with deep respect for the past through honest materials and meticulous craftsmanship. Architectural studio Jørgen Overby’s Tegnestue has revitalised the classical Renaissance building by blending modern concepts of space and materiality with the original architecture. The outcome is a balanced harmony between heritage and contemporary living.
Restoration – Holmegaard, Denmark
Architect: Jørgen Overbys Tegnestue
Certified Dinesen Craftsman: CPH Wood
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Douglas Classic
Thickness: 35 mm. Width: 300 mm. Full lengths up to 13.5 m
Finish: Lye and White Soap
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Oak Natural, Curated Widths
Thickness: 30 mm. Widths: 250, 300, 400 mm. Full lengths up to 7.6 m
Finish: Natural Oil
The estate stands on a prominent ridge in the cultural landscape of southeastern Zealand and dates back to 1334. The main building acquired its current Renaissance form in 1609, and the Baroque side wings added in the early 1700s created the three-winged layout that defines the site today.
In 2013, a fire destroyed most of the main building, leaving only the exterior walls. The reconstruction marked the beginning of a careful restoration that preserved the original proportions and materials. In close dialogue with the authorities, Jørgen Overby’s Tegnestue developed a project in which brickwork, window placement, and spatial flow were recreated with great precision. The new building unites historical authenticity with contemporary standards of function, comfort and aesthetics.
The interior is defined by a balanced palette of colours, with lime-washed walls and linseed-oil-saturated woodwork enhancing the estate's spatial volume and architectural gravity.
The floors play a central role in the overall narrative. They serve not only as surfaces but as defining elements of each room’s identity. The combination of Oak Natural in curated widths on the lower levels and Douglas Classic in extraordinary lengths on the upper levels creates a calm, cohesive expression throughout the house.
The Oak, finished with Natural Oil, adds warmth and depth, while the Douglas planks, finished with lye and White Soap, introduce a bright, timeless character that elevates the atmosphere. The floors have been installed with exceptional precision, forming an integral part of the architectural whole.
Materials, proportions and craftsmanship demonstrate how tradition and contemporary methods can come together to create a gentle, modern rebirth of a historic property.