His song led him to the manor – and so Stjärnholm was founded by a cottager’s son who rose to the nobility.

The son of a poor cottager in the 17th century, Johan Månsson sang in the farms and villages to make a little money. The goldsmith’s wife heard his singing as she lay in her childbed, and her troubles are suddenly much easier to bear! In thanks, she supported Johan in his studies, and that was the start of a brilliant career.

Johan does well. Very well. In time he is raised to the nobility, and as Johan Silverstierna lays the foundation for Stjärnholm Manor in 1639.

Almost 100 years later, the De Geer family moved in to the house. One of the De Geer sons, Louis, became Sweden’s first prime minister. Surely there is something special about Stjärnholm!

1378

The farms Nyborg and Beneborg occupy the land where the manor now stands. Beneborg is mentioned in documents from this year.

1639

Johan Silverstierna buys the farms and founds the Stjärnholm estate. The name Stjärnholm is however not used until after his death.

1660

The estate is taken over by one of the Silverstierna daughters, Anna-Maria, who is married to royal counsellor Wilhelm Drakenhielm. A large main building is erected in wood, together with a granary and church. Her second husband Mårten Lindhielm built the big barn and planted the lime avenue in front of the house.

1733

The buildings are destroyed in a fire, started when a chimney was broken in a storm and sparks from the kitchen fire set fire to the roof.

1735

Reconstruction is begun. The new house is in stone, and is significantly larger than the old.

1748

The new stone house is ready for its occupants. The de Besche family make their mark on the estate. The house is fitted with Dutch ovens and the a new organ loft and pulpit are erected in the church.

1807

The estate is bought by court equerry Wästfeldt.

1822

Royal Marshal Gerard De Geer takes ownership of Stjärnholm. His family includes 14 children who are kept under strict discipline – for example, they are only allowed to shout in a special room, the shouting room. It is the third child, Louis De Geer, who is to become Sweden’s first prime minister.

1867

The d’Otrante family take over the estate and the house is now acknowledged as a manor. Several men in the family serve as court equerry and a riding ground is established in the parks.

1920

Stjärnholm is sold several times and the property is divided.

1946

Stjärnholm Manor becomes a stiftsgård (a diocesan center), founded by the diocese of Strängnäs in the Church of Sweden.

1970

The annexe Nygården is added

1994-1995

The property is renovated thoroughly. The guest rooms are extended and fitted with shower and toilet. The kitchen and dining room are re-fitted. The western wing now houses seven new guest rooms, and there are offices and conference facilities in the eastern wing.