Skärva Herrgård - en del av världsarvet

Shipbuilder Fredrik Henrik af Chapman wanted a summer house by the sea and his best friend architect Carl August Ehrensvärd wanted “primitive people in the north” to discover the classical style of the ancient world. And this was the result, a Swedish wooden cottage with a peat roof built with classical columns, a neo-Gothic wooden clocktower and a tiny temple found itself sitting at the water’s edge.

From the little harbour in Skärva, the farm’s vegetables were shipped into the town to be sold. The manor also housed servants and gentlefolk under the same roof, which was highly unusual at the time. Skärva was a place for fun, gatherings and parties but also a place of peace and concentration. This was especially true when, in the autumn of his years, Vice Admiral Chapman, known across Europe for his shipbuilding skill, retired to his “summer cottage” and dedicated himself to research. In 1806 the estate was sold for farming and then the Wachtmeister family took it over and used it for entertaining. The house then slept for nearly as long as Sleeping Beauty but now it is in new private ownership and the stunning park is open to visitors.

The house is surrounded by lovely gardens and a nature reserve with beautiful walks.

Skärva is part of the Naval Port of Karlskrona, inscribed on UNESCO’s list of unmissable World Heritage Sites in 1998.

Read more about the World Heritage Site and find all the places that form part of it in the article about the Naval Port of Karlskrona.

Source: Visit Karlskrona

Events and concerts at Skärva House can be found under “Events” at www.visitkarlskrona.se

Today Skärva House runs events and provides accommodation, kayak hire and other activities. Read more