After a massive landslide in 1702 that killed more than 200 livestock and 14 people, the manor was rebuilt on solid ground, where it still stands today. The owner, Jens Werenskiold, erected a one-and-a-half storey house which has since been extended.
In the 1880s Borregaard Manor was put up for sale. The estate comprised large areas of land and half of the rights to the Sarpsfoss waterfall. This was the main reason why the English company, the Kellner Partington Paper Pulp Co. Ltd. bought the estate in 1889 and built a pulp mill at the waterfall.
Until 1899 the manor was used as a school for the children of company employees. In 1900, after extensive restoration, the building became the home of Oscar Pedersen, head of the company. The Kellner Partington Paper & Pulp Co. Ltd. was taken over by Norwegian owners in 1918, and the name of the company was changed to Borregaard. The manor continued to serve as the residence of the company’s managing directors up until 1976.
New life for the manor
In line with the Orkla tradition of looking after the cultural assets owned by the company, it was decided soon after the merger with Borregaard that the manor was to be restored. The parent company therefore took over Borregaard Manor in 1987. After a year of extensive renovation, the building was once again open for use in August 1988. Since then Borregaard Manor has been in constant use as a conference and hospitality centre for the entire Orkla Group.
Borregaard Manor today
Almost all Orkla’s training programmes take place at Borregaard Manor.
“Close to 2,000 course participants and 3-400 lecturers thoroughly enjoy these surroundings every year,” says Johnny Norman Pedersen, manager of Borregaard Manor.
“The Låven conference centre offers technical facilities such as AV equipment and Internet access. The premises, which were originally a barn, are spacious and comfortable,” he continues. He explains that several auditoriums, meeting rooms and reception halls make the place ideal for groups of 6 to 120 persons. “We provide excellent cuisine which helps to create the right mood. In-house course and meetings can take place undisturbed and in style. Participants usually look forward to coming back.”
The main building on the estate provides the perfect setting and atmosphere for formal meetings and gatherings. In addition to courses, the manor is used for conferences, project start-up meetings, anniversary celebrations and customer hospitality. “Many a good contract has been signed here at the manor,” Petersen concludes.
For further information about Borregaard Manor, please contact Birgit Arnesen, tel.: +47 69 16 90 30. Or send an e-mail to birgit.arnesen@orkla.no
See more pictures
See a map of the manor