Breidablikk Museum, Stavange, Rogaland, Norway
The mansion Breidablikk was built in 1881 by the architect Henrik Nissen. Owner was the merchant and ship owner Lars Berentsen, a leading businessman in the Stavanger of that time.
Both the exterior and the interior of the house are exceptionally well-preserved, providing a vivid insight into the lifestyle of wealthy citizens of the city at the end of the 19th century.
The house was built in the Swiss style, mixed with neuromantic and neo-gothic influences. It is one of the richest and best-preserved examples of this period and contains furniture in Gothic, Rococo and Baroque styles, among others. Buildings and furnishings testify to high-quality craftsmanship and a collection of paintings by Kitty Kielland, August Jacobsen and others.
In addition to the main building, the old main house and the barn of 1852 have been preserved. In the barn is shown an exhibition of agricultural implements and carriages. In the well-preserved park in the English style there are winding paths and exotic trees.
The garden around the main building was designed according to a plan by the gardener PH Poulsson. The original plant has been largely preserved. Characteristic of many of Poulsson’s gardens that can still be found in the city are the tortuous paths, the avoidance of sharp corners and the planting of exotic trees.
Epic Norway Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound