Aastrup, Manor house in Elverdamsdalen, Denmark
Aastrup is a manor house in Elverdamsdalen consisting of a three-winged brick complex set within farmland, woodland, and parkland. The entire estate covers approximately 688 hectares and displays the typical architectural layout of a 19th-century Danish noble residence.
The property came under the control of Count Frederik Vilhelm Dannemand in 1842, an illegitimate son of King Frederik VI who later converted it into a residential institution for a specific group of women. This shift from ecclesiastical ownership to a noble estate marked a significant turning point in the site's history.
The estate reflects the role that noble families played in Danish society, particularly in creating living spaces for women without traditional family support. Visitors can observe how the buildings were arranged to foster community life among their residents.
The site is located approximately 40 kilometers west of Copenhagen, positioned between Tølløse and Hvalsø and accessible by car or regional transport. Visitors should plan adequate time to explore the sprawling grounds, gardens, and surrounding countryside.
The estate was specifically designed as a residence for widows and unmarried women connected to the Count's family who lacked other means of support. This unusual form of social care by the nobility transformed the property into a kind of community for women.
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