Our first time visiting Solbjerggaard
Hi, my name is Albertine and this is my daughter, Emma. Besides the fact that my mom and I work closely together on ensuring Solbjerggaard is the most lovely place for you to visit, Emma and I have the absolute joy of being Marie-Louise's daughter and granddaughter. We recently got to experience Solbjerggaard 'in real time' for the first time and I thought that I would bring you along on our first trip seeing 'Mormor' and her new, incredibly beautiful home and bed and breakfast, so that you can get a feeling of what to expect (and very much look forward to!) when visiting yourself.
Personally, the fact that I had been involved in creating the website and supporting in ensuring a really wonderful guest experience, didn't prepare me for what I was going to experience myself when visiting Solbjerggaard for the very first time. Both my husband and I were blown away by not just the beauty of the home, but also by the many exciting things, places and activities in the nearby surroundings. And should you consider visiting yourself, with friends, by yourself or with your family, I happily share some of our favorites, so that you can consider experiencing them yourself.
"While the children spent every day, all day, playing outside in the garden and the courtyard, having the time of their lives, my husband, Lukas, and I soaked in the quietness, the sound of the birds, the garden and the feeling of not having to do anything or be anywhere."
"For the first time in years, I did not know where my phone was for days.
I quite literally lost track of time, to-do's and anything else that keeps most of us busy nowadays and it has been the best thing I have experienced in a very long time."
We arrived on a Tuesday and when walking through the porch, we instantly felt like we walked into a fairytale. Like my brother-in-law, Tim, said, 'I feel like I just walked into a really special Italian movie'. For me, I have never experienced anything like the feeling I got when standing in the courtyard, looking at this incredibly beautiful and large (it has four wings) old-heritage farmhouse dating back to 1729.
While the children spent every day, all day, playing outside in the garden and the courtyard, having the time of their lives, my husband, Lukas, and I soaked in the quietness, the sound of the birds, the garden and the feeling of not having to do anything or be anywhere. And for the first time in years, I did not know where my phone was for days as being present was so much more wonderful than what could potentially be going on on my phone.
I quite literally lost track of time, to-do's and anything else that keeps most of us busy nowadays and it has been the best thing I have experienced in a very long time.
Going out with children
Having two children that haven't been the best sleepers, I was a bit nervous when getting onto the plane. But whether it was spending the whole day outdoors, the tranquility of being in Millinge or the joy of being together all of the time, the children have never slept better. And so, we had lots of energy to go outside and experience the surroundings. And funnily enough, the times we went out, we ended up going to those same places again and again as everywhere we went, it was just so nice that we wanted to keep coming back. So, we definitely have to come back many more times, just to experience a small part of everything the surroundings have to offer.
In short, this is where we went...
- Vesterports Bageri.
This was such a nice bakery and café with delicious coffee, great breads filled with the most delicious ingredients, Danish pastries and a smoothie that the children loved. The atmosphere was cosy, yet pretty and while we were enjoying our lunch, the children enjoyed themselves looking around, sharing our food and drinking their smoothie. We came back two times and will definitely go here again soon.
- The playground at the 'Øhavsmuseet'.
When going to the Vesterports Bageri, we parked the car at the 'Øhavsmuseet', which was a three minute walk from the bakery and had a really nice playground and a small shop where you could get food and ice cream. The children loved the playground.
- Falsled Strand Camping.
While walking along the beach, my mom showed us the Falsled Strand Camping. They, too, have great coffee and the owners were incredibly friendly. Adding to the mix that there was a playground that the children were allowed to play in, we ended up coming back here twice as well.
- Føtex.
We very much enjoy nice food and drinks and so, we were incredibly happy when my mom recommended this supermarket (that was so large and had so many things, that it felt like you could literally find anything here that you were potentially looking for). Besides the fact that we found many delicious products, the prices were also much lower than anywhere else we have been in Denmark (similar to the prices we know from The Netherlands and Germany), which was nice.
- Falsled Strand.
We are huge fans of the beach and the fact that the beach is just a five minute car ride away (and has a place for nice drinks and food in the harbour) was something that we as a family were very happy about. All our son, Max, wanted was to go there every day to throw stones in the water, watch the waves and enjoy the fresh air. It was so wonderful and I can't wait to go back and jump in the sea whenever it's a little bit warmer.
- The Ceramic shop just down the street.
Owned by the loveliest people, that have also created the plates, cups and name signs for Solbjerggaard, I loved visiting this shop. Thankfully we didn't have any space in our suitcases, as it was very tempting to bring along some of the beautiful things they created.
- The friendly neighbour, farmer Bent.
Living in the city ourselves, our children are more used to seeing cars than cows and thus, they were so excited when offered the opportunity to take a ride in the neighbours large traktor. They thoroughly enjoyed it and I was so happy about the fact that our children were given the opportunity to experience the beauty that comes with living in a more nature rich, cosy and calming surrounding with incredibly friendly people and lots of animals. They loved it and so did we.
"Living in the city ourselves, our children are more used to seeing
cars than
cows and thus, they were so excited when offered the opportunity to take a ride in the neighbours large traktor."
As we were only there for a couple of days this time around, there are so many things we would like to see next time. And these are some of the things on top of our list...
- Faaborg Golfklub.
Lukas very much enjoys playing golf and we have heard that this is one of the nicest golf courses in Denmark, so he will definitely go here next time.
- Svannige Bakker. I'm happiest outside, going for a walk, and so this is absolutely on top of my list for next time. With the Svannige Bakker being part of the largest nature area and contiguous forest on Funen, also called 'The Funen Alps', I can't wait to see and experience all the natural beauty that it has to offer.
- Everything we've seen and done last time. Being creatures of habit, we are already looking forward to returning to the places we visited last time. :)
What you'll find when visiting Solbjerggaard
Besides the fact that my mom truly is the most loving, inspiring woman I know, I feel like there are so many reasons to visit Solbjerggaard and to explore and enjoy the surroundings.
- Peace, quiet, relaxation, inspiration, new energy and joy. Whether you visit alone, with friends or with children, I feel like staying here will offer you all of these things, as it did for me. I came home feeling incredibly energetic and relaxed, which is amazing and unique when having small children, and I believe that that was the result of being out in nature all day and getting to experience everything that we did while visiting.
- The list of things to do, see and experience in the surroundings is endless. From biking, hiking, fishing, playing golf, paddle boarding, making campfires, wandering through the garden, visiting historical sights, going to the beach, hanging out in a playground, having dinner at a Michelin restaurant or visiting a food market, festival or Hans Christian Anderson's childhood home, the list of things that you can do here is endless. And the list of things that will be enjoyed by people of all ages is too, making it a wonderful place to visit both by yourself and with a larger group (of children).
- Having traveled the world as a cabin attendant, I can honestly say that I have never visited a place that made my jaw drop and made me feel like I entered a fairytale like Solbjerggaard did. The old-heritage charm, the unique details, the incredible apartments and the peace and quiet that you experience when wandering through the garden are nothing like I have experienced before. And the fact that you can look out over these extensive pieces of land makes it extra special (especially for those among us that are living in the city).
- Personally, I feel like it is rare to visit a place like Solbjerggaard where community, kindness and connection are at the core of the experience. A place where you can completely do your own thing without seeing anyone really if you would like, but also a place where, should you wish, you can participate in the Cosy Fridays, chat with fellow guests or just feel like you're part of a beautiful group of people. I think it's what we need more of and I am so happy that this is what Solbjerggaard stands for, offers and allows all of us to experience.
We have absolutely loved being here and have already planned our next visit and I hope and trust that you will enjoy it as much as we did and will continue to do.
With the warmest regards,
Albertine