Come On In. The Renovation Journey of Solbjerggaard: Breathing New Life into a Historic Farmhouse

The Gift of Caring at Solbjerggaard: Discover Luxury in Every Moment

a.steendamvisser@gmail.com (Albertine Steendamvisser) — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 10:36:22 GMT

"My warmest recommendations for this beautiful place, where everything comes together perfectly and where we were lucky enough to spend a weekend. The most wonderful atmosphere, the kindest and most welcoming hostess, beautifully designed apartments (thoughtfully detailed in every way!), and a stunning surrounding area. It simply doesn’t get any better—and we, a big family, will definitely be back again." - Solveig

The Gift of Caring: what does that mean at Solbjerggaard?

At Solbjerggaard, our mission “the gift of caring” is the essence of every moment you spend with us. Located in the idyllic countryside of Millinge, Denmark, we do everything within our power to offer a memorable, full‑service experience that makes you want to return year after year and that celebrates warmth, joy, and thoughtful hospitality. In this post, we take you along in every little detail—from the crackling fireplace to our delicious, homemade and continuously celebrated breakfasts— giving you a small glimpse of what 'the gift of caring' looks and feels like here.

Cosy Evenings in the Barn

When the summer is over and the colder weather arrives, our restored barn turns into a cosy, intimate lounge area and our private living room in the main farmhouse becomes the most wonderful place to enjoy a Friday drink, while listening to jazz music and sitting in front of the fireplace. Imagine yourself curled up on a comfortable armchair, soft jazz playing, and the fireplace crackling gently nearby. Our local products, homemade treats, and delicious crackers are served in a beatiful way —proof that the gift of caring lies in creating a place of luxury, cosiness and comfort, no matter the season.

Farmhouse Living Room: A Sanctuary of Small Gestures

In the colder months, when our living room is opened up on Friday evenings for everyone to enjoy, you’ll immediately sense the soul of Solbjerggaard. From comfortable sofas, a beautiful view over the rolling hills, the fireplace crackling in the background and jazz music softly playing, to candles on every table, and soft blankets ready to curl up in. For us, true luxury is in the details: your favorite tea blend served in a lovely cup, a freshly baked cake, small gestures throughout your stay, and hand‑written notes wishing you a wonderful evening. Whenever you visit us, we take every chance we get to make you feel welcome and at home.

The most delicious breakfast

We love waking up slowly and starting the day, knowing that a delicious breakfast is waiting for us. And as such, at Solbjerggaard, you wake up to a delicious cup of tea or coffee and a breakfast made with care, using local ingredients. Our breakfasts are made with seasonality in mind: think seasonal fruits, homemade granola, organic yogurts, breads from the award winning bakery just a short drive away, and fresh apple juice, made by our neighbours. And should you have any special wishes, then please let us know, we would love to create a breakfast that is just the way you like it.

As some of our recent guests wrote:

" T he breakfast is absolutely delicious! We’re already looking forward to coming back." - Marie

"We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, as well as the delightful dinner and generous breakfast made with local products—nothing was ever too much to ask." - Arnoud

"I’ve just had a wonderful stay with Marie-Louise during the Fåborg Winter Days. An incredibly warm and welcoming hostess. This isn’t just a “Bed & Breakfast”—it’s an experience. A delicious, locally sourced breakfast. Truly a place to treat yourself—highly recommended." - Bent

Although our breakfast might not be the reason you visit, it might become the reason you continue to return.

Spontaneous Dinners Under the Stars

At Solbjerggaard, we see spontaneity as a luxury, too. On some evenings, we have long tables in the courtyard, the barn or the farmhouse, and invite guests to share a thoughtfully prepared meal. My mom, Marie-Louise or Lone, will lovingly prepare you the most delicious dinner —while you sip great wines or anything else you enjoy and toast with the other guests. It’s in these unplanned, cosy moments that the gift of caring truly shines through for us.

Cosy Winter and Autumn Moments by the Fire

Danish hygge. For us, there is nothing more cosy than candlelit, slow mornings starting off with a delicious breakfast and then enjoying long, crisp beach walks or visiting typically Danish Christmas markets and curling up in front of the fireplace with a good book and a hot tea or a hot chocolate with whipped cream. During the cosy winter and autumn months, we are there to provide you with lovely moments like these. Settle into our rustic barn or the cosy farmhouse living room where soft jazz music plays, books and magazines await, and where you can simply be and enjoy yourself.

It’s in these quieter months—when the world outside slows down—that the gift of caring, in our opinion, shines brightest. Cosy moments, good conversations, laughter, and the beauty of not having to do or be anywhere—that is what makes the autumn and winter months truly special here at Solbjerggaard.

Finding Beauty in the Small Moments

From the soft morning light coming through the windows to the gentle hum of songbirds when sitting in the garden, Solbjerggaard truly is the most wonderful place that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the small, yet so incredibly wonderful moments. Every detail—the extra set of plush towels, the choice of a reading lamp beside your bed, the warm “have a wonderful day” from our lovely hosts—adds up to an experience of genuine care. It has been the reason our guests keep returning season after season, longing for the beauty and care experienced when staying with us.

The Gift of Caring is Woven Into Every Detail of Your Stay

“The gift of caring” at Solbjerggaard is at the core of everything you will experience throughout your stay. Whether you stay with us and join us for a jazz evening in the colder, cosy months, you enjoy our delicious breakfast, or you have the most magical experience, enjoying a dinner under the stars, we hope that you too will experience the joy that comes from visiting a place where you, and the gift of caring, are at the forefront of every decision made.

The code ' Hygge Getaway ' gives you 15% off your next autumn, winter, or spring getaway.

With the warmest regards and wishes to see you soon,

Albertine

A full house this summer - and cosy plans ahead 🌿

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 08:01:01 GMT

Our first letter, about the summer and beyond. ��

Dear Friend of Solbjerggaard,

We’re in the middle of a wonderful summer—and it’s been such a joy to welcome guests from all over the world. Almost every room is booked, and the place is full of life, laughter, and stories. We honestly couldn’t ask for more.

There is just so much happening in the surroundings, and everyone is having such a great time enjoying all the lovely things you can do around here. Some head out mountain biking, island hopping, sailing, paddleboarding, or fishing, while others spend their days sitting under the trees in the garden overlooking the hills, enjoying a good book and a delicious cup of coffee or tea.

There are rounds of golf and strolls through museums, relaxing afternoons at the beach, and wonderful evenings in the garden with grilled dinners and marshmallows roasting over the fire. And of course, no visit is complete without fresh fish and fries enjoyed by the harbour.

It is safe to say that the summer here truly has something special.

And as much as we’re loving this busy season, we’re also really looking forward to what comes next.

When things quiet down after summer, we will be turning Solbjerggaard into the loveliest off-season escape. Think:

�� Gløgg by the fireplace with jazz music playing in the background
�� Cosy, quiet moments in our new greenhouse overlooking the hills (which looks so wonderful already!) with tea, blankets, homemade cake, and maybe surrounded by snow
��‍♀️ The joy of an in-room massage
�� Walks by the sea in crisp air

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend away, a work-related stay, a romantic weekend, a creative break, a fun weekend with friends and family, or simply time to unwind — we’d love to have you back when the pace slows down.

Use the code ‘ Hygge Getaway ' to enjoy 15% off your next autumn, winter, or spring getaway—and don’t forget to explore our new page featuring the wonderful seasonal packages we’ve created.

Thanks again for making this season so special. We can’t wait to welcome you again soon!

And should you be curious about what each season has to offer, then simply click on the one that speaks to you most — and discover the many beautiful activities, events, and sights to enjoy here in autumn , winter , and spring .

From Christmas markets, Geopark Days, and cultural festivals to lilacs in bloom, winter exhibitions, and sunset boat trips, the possibilities are endless.

With warmest regards and heartfelt wishes to see you again soon,

The Solbjerggaard Team

Marie-Louise, Lone, Joan, and Albertine
Experience the gift of caring

How a lifelong dream turned into the first beautiful weekend at Solbjerggaard

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:56:35 GMT

The first family Easter weekend at Solbjerggaard took place and wow, I loved showing everyone around and getting to create our first of many memories together at Solbjerggaard.

I bought Solbjerggaard back in November as I have always had the dream of creating a place for young and old. A place where no-one felt alone or would be afraid of growing old. A place where everyone felt appreciated and welcome and where everyone felt that their stories mattered as did their presence.

After having lived in The Netherlands for the past 34 years, I really felt the urge to move back to Denmark, to be closer to my family and to start turning my lifelong dream into reality. And now, here we were, sitting around this large table together with 18 of our family members, celebrating Easter and the fact that we all got to spend it together here, at Solbjerggaard.

For me personally, there is nothing I find more important than family, community, togetherness and allowing everyone to feel good and enjoy themselves. And I truly hope that, whenever you come and visit, you will feel that throughout your stay.

Whether you wish to return to the tranquility of your apartment, wander through the garden or just be yourself or you wish to join in on the cosy Fridays or the days and evenings in the café, you are so welcome to do just that.

I very much look forward to welcoming you and hope you will love being here as much as we all do.

Ultimate Family Getaway at Solbjerggaard B&B: Top Activities & Tips in Millinge, Denmark

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:56:35 GMT

Our first time visiting Solbjerggaard

Hi, my name is Albertine and this is my son, Max. Besides the fact that my mom and I work closely together on ensuring Solbjerggaard is the most lovely place for you to visit, Max and I have the absolute joy of being Marie-Louise's daughter and grandson. 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,