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

The renovation of Solbjerggaard, an unique old-heritage farmhouse with four wings, dating back to 1729.

When I took over Solbjerggaard from Laura and Peter in November 2023, I wanted to renovate Solbjerggaard in a way that would honour its heritage and story, while also very much incorporating the Happiness Architecture, the blue zone principles and my wish to focus on sustainability and the 17 sustainable development goals.

I wanted Solbjerggaard to become a beautiful place where everyone could feel happy and at home and as such, all apartments and living areas have been designed for happiness, wellbeing and comfort. The public living spaces inside and outside all facilitate connection in the way they have been designed and decorated and they have become a place where you can relax, listen to music, read your book and just enjoy your time, regardless of the weather. A place you love to return to after a day full of exciting and lovely experiences.

When it comes to the 17 sustainable development goals, it meant that every element purchased or used was sustainable, unless no alternative existed in that specific moment. When entering into a partnership with a company, I always enquired if the value chain is sustainable and if possible, I wanted to experience it. That sometimes meant having to go the extra mile to find materials or a solution that supports the sustainable goals. Using the sustainable development goals as my architectural principles offered me a clear direction throughout and made it easier to make choices, even if it meant that I sometimes had to wait a bit longer as it is often more expensive.

The Blue Zones principles, as discovered by Dan Buettner, Explorer and Health expert, add so much beautiful value to life, I think. Thanks to his impressive study on longevity, which has been shared in his books and on Netflix, we have learned that it is possible to create an environment that facilitates longevity. The nine principles hold so much wisdom of a life in touch with nature and ourselves. A balanced life, lived with purpose, in a place where we belong as part of a community. I love it!!

Becoming at age made me reflect on my own way of living and the disconnection I felt with my purpose: creating a place that would facilitate community building. 

As such, Solbjerggaard has been shaped around the Blue Zones principles and we will facilitate initiatives to support the principles. Supported by the Danish Happiness Architecture and the Danish way of living, I wish to provide all of our guests with a warm, cosy and unforgettable stay.

And I want to give a special thank you to all of the people that have supported me throughout the process of turning Solbjerggaard into the place it is today. None of this could have been done without the help of Peggy (who, together with her team, was responsible for the entire renovation of the apartments), Michael (who has supported me from day one with everything that came my way when it comes to purchasing, renovating and running Solbjerggaard), Emilia and Tim (who have supported me throughout), Lukas and Albertine (who have supported me in every part of the process, whether it has been setting up systems, creating the website, becoming visible online and so on), Jakob (Lukas' brother who handmade all beds, ensuring they would both be comfortable and beautiful), Lone (who is such a big help when it comes to welcoming and taking care of our guests), Annegert (who has created the most beautiful ceramic plates, cups and name signs for every apartment) and all other incredible people I have met since moving here.

It was my dream to create a place of connection and as soon as I moved here, that was exactly what I found. From the loveliest neighbours that are always here to help to the sweetest people across the street and in every store I walk into: Millinge and the people living here are something special.

And I hope you will get to experience that for yourself, whenever you come and visit.