Jon-Lars, Historic farm complex in Alfta, Sweden
Jon-Lars is a farmstead complex in Alfta made up of several wooden buildings with red-painted walls that house multiple rooms and spaces. The main structure contains eighteen rooms and numerous windows arranged across its timber frame, displaying the layout typical of a prosperous rural property from the 1800s.
The property was completely rebuilt by brothers Anders and Olof Andersson after a major fire destroyed the earlier structure in 1851. The main building was finished in 1857 and remains the centerpiece of the site today.
The interior spaces showcase the painted decorations created by traveling artist Hans Ersson, reflecting artistic traditions specific to this rural region. His work represents the skilled craftsmanship that local families valued and invited into their homes.
The property sits in a rural location, so visiting requires some advance planning and transportation arrangements. Daytime visits allow you to appreciate the architectural details and interior paintings that define this farmstead.
The site belongs to a rare group of seven richly decorated farmhouses across Hälsingland that share a single UNESCO World Heritage designation. This recognition underscores how the farmstead has maintained its original features and painted interiors through the decades.
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