Great Swedish Houses - Royal residences, country estates and provincial palaces

Fondly described as the Cotswolds of Sweden, the province of Södermanland lies southwest of Stockholm, bordering Lake Mälaren. A bucolic landscape is enhanced by a plethora of well-preserved houses, estates, and palaces, most of which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many are still inhabited by members of the Swedish royal family or by aristocratic families, who have dwelled on the estates for centuries.

Over the course of eight days, and by special arrangement, we meet the young nobles residing in the splendid homes of their ancestors. The current generation of aristocratic families now faces the challenges of balancing modern reality with responsible custodianship of their cultural heritage. Other houses, such as Gripsholm – a former defensive fortress now housing a magnificient state portrait gallery and Gustav III’s spectacular theatre – have been converted into carefully curated museums. Journeying on picturesque country roads, we travel the routes that link the likes of regal Drottningholm with charming country estates.

The modern history of Sweden begins in the early 16th century with the coronation of Gustav Vasa; the stone foundations of numerous properties were laid during his reign. Not quite two centuries later, Gustav III had an enormous influence on cultural tastes that is reflected in the properties of those who could afford to share the predilections of their king. The talents of the most skilled, French- and Italian-trained artists and craftsmen of the late 18th century were widely employed. At Haga and Tullgarn, the sumptuous interiors display marvellous detail created by les frères Masreliez.

The Gustavian period shifted into Regency and Empire styles, with Sweden’s best example of French Empire style having strong Napoleonic links. Having belonged to Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, the French general, elected heir-presumptive to Gustav III and who became the first king in Sweden’s current dynasty. As Charles XIV John, Bernadotte created a maison de plaisance that remains almost intact – Rosendal Palace.

Presenting an enticing contrast between Sweden’s lavish royal residences and the serenity of its refined provincial retreats, this delightful tour places in context Sweden’s historic and artistic legacy, from kings to craftsmen, all of whom have left their mark.