Boen Gard

In 1702, Christian Braunmann took over the Boen estate to get the sawmill running again, which was the most profitable business at the time. He ran the estate until he died in 1729, and his family kept it for a while. In 1753, Irish merchant Edvard Smith bought Boen and its fishing rights. The estate was a bit run-down, but Smith moved in from Kristiansand and worked to restore it. By 1765, he returned to Ireland, leaving it to his daughter Margaretha and her husband, Just Arctander. After Margaretha died in 1801, her heirs put Boen up for auction. Daniel Isaachsen, one of Norway’s richest men, bought it, but the estate stayed connected to Margaretha’s family when her granddaughter Hanne married Isaachsen. The family lived there for over a century. Isaachsen built a new home at Boen for his wife, Hanne.

After he died in 1813, she inherited the estate, including the sawmill, fishing rights, and farmland. She later married army hero Diderich Hegermann, and they made Boen their home. The estate stayed in the family until the 1930s, when debts forced them to close the business. In 1940, shipbroker Johan G. Olsen bought Boen. After World War II, the riverside industry modernized, and in 1955, a parquet-floor factory was built on the estate. Over the following decades, the company grew, exporting hardwood floors internationally and opening a factory in Germany. BOEN became a leading name in premium parquet flooring across Europe. Meanwhile, the original estate buildings gradually moved out of pure industrial use and were restored. By 2012, Boen Gård opened as a boutique-style hotel, letting visitors experience its history firsthand.

Boen Gård follows the idea of Norwegian byggeskikk, so the estate leans on local materials, simple layouts, and solid old-style craftsmanship. A member of De Historiske, the estate preserves its historic character while making it accessible to visitors. The main house and its wings still show their classic timber build, warm wood inside, and that straightforward room layout that once held the estate’s staff quarters. The buildings sit around a unified courtyard that makes it easy to picture how the whole place once worked as a busy agricultural property.

Today, the wings offer two restored apartments with en-suite bedrooms and kitchens, and they keep a lot of the old feel. Around the courtyard, historic buildings like Kornmagasinet, Treskelåven, the wine cellar, and Ishuset are getting fresh life again. Kornmagasinet hosts eight en-suite rooms, and Treskelåven hosts six, with shared kitchens and lounges for guests to gather. Their thick timber walls and old frameworks are kept as they are, while modern Scandinavian furniture and simple, clean details sit right beside them. The estate is also mindful of accessibility, with auditory guidance, a lower bathroom sink, higher-level toilets, grab rails, and wheelchair access.

Boen Gård’s dining has a really grounded feel, with most of the ingredients coming straight from the estate. The kitchen leans toward a modern Nordic way of cooking, but you’ll also notice a little French touch in the techniques and plating. They keep things simple and seasonal, so you’ll usually see slow-cooked lamb, fresh river salmon, bright garden vegetables, and light sauces that let the produce speak for itself. Whatever the estate cannot provide on its own, they bring in from small local suppliers.

The menu shifts through the year, and the dishes have a simple, honest style that lets the ingredients speak for themselves. The team cooks for all kinds of guests, so they handle Halal, Kosher, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free requests. The dining rooms shift in mood depending on the time of day. Sometimes it feels cozy and family-friendly, sometimes it leans more traditional or modern, and in the evenings it can even feel pretty romantic.

Wine Cellar

Boen Gård has a wine cellar that was reopened in 2019. The building probably dates back to the 18th century, though it hasn’t been used for many decades. The furniture and fittings have been updated using recycled materials. Inside, the cellar stores wines from traditional European regions such as Bourgogne, Champagne, and German Riesling. Visitors often start with a glass of Champagne here before moving on to dinner in the main house. The sommelier, Dagfinn Galdal, can give information about different wines and allows guests to taste bottles from specific regions or years if they want. The space gives a sense of the estate’s history while showing how wine has been part of life at Boen Gård.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Boen Gård is a relaxed, cozy experience on the farmland in Tveit. Served in the Dining Room and first-floor lounges, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a leisurely afternoon. Guests can expect freshly baked scones, a variety of homemade sandwiches, and an assortment of cakes and sweets. Jams and honey come straight from the estate’s garden, adding a local touch to the selection. To complement the food, black coffee is served from Carlos Coffee, and the tea of choice is Perch’s Tea Afternoon Tea Blend. It is a pleasant, flavorful pause in the day, perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Opening hours:
Saturdays and Sundays - 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Boen Gård has become a popular spot for weddings, especially from May to September, when the estate is mostly reserved for weekend celebrations. Couples can choose to hold their ceremony in the main house, in the orchard, or by the gazebo, while tree-lined paths, riverside spots, and the old courtyard provide natural settings for photographs. The estate’s 17 renovated double rooms make it convenient for wedding guests to stay close by. For weddings, couples can work with the kitchen to create a customized menu using local produce, and a sommelier is on hand to help with wine pairings.

Flowers are arranged throughout the common areas, adding a touch of color and life to the spaces, while couples are welcome to bring their own cakes for the celebration. The bar stays open until 1:30 AM, so guests can enjoy drinks late into the evening. Weddings usually host between 40 and 90 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere. With its mix of historic vibe, flexible ceremony spaces, and thoughtfully designed grounds, Boen Gård provides a setting where couples can celebrate surrounded by natural beauty.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Boen Gård has plenty to offer for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. The estate’s gardens and riverbanks are perfect for peaceful strolls, while the green lawns invite summer games like croquet or ball sports. For quieter moments, you can relax on a bench under the shade of one of the old trees and simply enjoy the surroundings. Salmon fishing at Boen is a highlight. The Hegermann family owned the estate for generations, and British lords fished the river in the early 1900s. Today, double-sided fishing combines rapids and pools, with several spots still named after past anglers, including WR Line, Staulky, and Martin’s Point.

A short drive from the estate, Bjåvann Golf, designed by Robert Trent Jones II and called “The Norwegian Beauty,” offers a scenic and challenging course. The surrounding forests are packed with trails for hiking or running, tranquil lakes for swimming, and seasonal opportunities to gather mushrooms. In winter, groomed cross-country trails are available, and guided hikes can be arranged to explore the area.

Boen Gård is a place where all kinds of celebrations come to life, from birthdays and weddings to anniversaries and corporate gatherings. The main house has several rooms, with the ballroom accommodating larger groups, and the library perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings. Two cozy bars and additional parlours give guests a chance to relax before and after meals. Events are handled by experienced staff, who take care of everything from serving to logistics. Guests can meet in advance for a guided tour and a planning session. A dedicated sommelier ensures drinks complement the seasonal menus. Food can be tailored for vegans, vegetarians, or guests with allergies, and non-alcoholic options are available. For any special requests or custom arrangements, it’s best to contact the staff beforehand.

Boen Gård is Miljøfyrtårn certified, which is Norway’s main eco-certification for businesses. The team has worked hard to make the kitchen mostly self-sufficient. The gardens have honey bees, vegetables, herbs, lots of berries, and an old orchard with apples and pears. Around 80% of what they use for cooking comes straight from the estate, all organic. Sheep and lambs graze along the river, keeping the plants in check, and some end up on the menu. Wild salmon from the Tovdal River is also part of the meals. Anything else the kitchen needs comes from small local suppliers, all within about a 90-minute drive. It keeps things fresh, local, and close to home.