Engø Gård

Before Engø Gård came to be, the estate was originally one of many posh summer guesthouses that dotted the island of Tjøme. In 1924, it became a country inn named Pihl’s Pensjonat, owned by the eponymous Frithjof Pihl and his sister Daisy. She was actually the one who managed the guesthouse, while Frithjof managed the farm estate.

Despite renovations to make the hotel more appealing to travelers, such as the addition of the dining rooms Spisestuebygning and Drengestuene, business didn't really take off until the 1930s. It was in 1935 that Dorothy Grace “Babs” Babington, an Englishwoman, visited and later married Frithjof. Her refined and creative personality, as well as quirky British charm, transformed the hotel. She and Daisy made the hotel more selective in admitting guests, creating an air of exclusivity and privilege. The hotel eventually had to close during the Second World War, and was unfortunately unable to regain its stride during the post-war decades.

The hotel's revival would wait until 1983, when Nina Felling Andersen and Harald Andersen acquired the estate. They immediately initiated an extensive restoration of the buildings and grounds, modernizing facilities while preserving as much as they could. The work took quite some time, but the hotel finally opened in 2000, rechristened as the Engø Gård we know today.

Through the restorations done by Nina Felling Andersen and Harald Andersen since 1983, Engø Gård has been able to preserve its heritage as a bucolic farm estate from the 19th century. While modernized in many aspects, such as contemporary design and decor for its spaces and accommodations, the overall character adheres to the pastoral setting. The surrounding environment, with its meadows, groves of trees, and coastal terrain, blends naturally with the hotel.

The interior areas make use of the preserved architecture, choosing to create an eye-catching contrast with the modern furniture used throughout the property. Even then, the decor still follows homey Norwegian conventions, such as the use of forest-inspired palettes and patterned textiles.

Restaurant Pileredet

Engø Gard's refined dining restaurant promises menus that incorporate the best ingredients of Tjøme, especially its bountiful seafood. Selections also reflect the changing seasons as dishes adapt to the availability of certain ingredients. Their 5-course Engø is available during autumn and winter, while the 9-course gourmet menu can be ordered year-round.
Autumn & Winter: Monday to Saturday: 6 pm - 7:45 pm
Spring & Summer: Monday to Sunday: 6 pm - 7:45 pm

Brasserie Nina

Brasserie Nina features a more diversified menu and experience, adapting to the seasons by opening alfresco dining areas during summer. For the most part, their sharing menus consist of Italian and Mediterranean dishes with Norwegian twists, though they also have special holiday menus for Christmas.
Spring, Autumn, & Winter: Monday to Friday: 12 pm - 2:30 pm (lunch); 6 pm - 7:45 pm (dinner)
Summer: 1 pm - 7:45 pm

Afternoon Tea

The hotel's Afternoon Tea service combines refreshing teas with energizing bites of desserts and snacks.
Spring, Autumn, & Winter: Saturday & Sunday: 1 pm - 3 pm
Summer: Tuesday to Thursday: 1 pm - 3 pm

Sjøboden

A scenic waterfront venue that the perfect hangout for friends and family. Fitting for its waterside location, the menu centers around shellfish, though they also have antipasti options during summer.
Spring, Autumn, & Winter: By reservation only
July: Tuesday to Saturday: Open during the day during clear weather

Engø Gård doesn't just offer romantic venues for your wedding day, they also have a variety of flexible programs and packages that can be tailored to fit your dream event. Besides the ceremony, packages also include a full reception menu that will be carefully planned by the head chef.

Full Hotel Booking

Reserve the whole hotel for your special day. You and your entourage and guests will have access to the amenities and facilities, as well as all 49 bedrooms.
Capacity: 110 guests

Pensjonatet

The farmhouse offers four rooms, a glass terrace, and two lounges for your ceremony and reception.
Capacity: 60 guests

Sjøboden

Hold your ceremony and reception lunch or dinner at this unique venue that captures the rural charms of Tjøme.
Capacity: 20 guests

Sjøglimt

The hotel's Chambre Séparée is perfect for intimate indoor celebrations and has lovely views of the hotel's surroundings.
Capacity: 20 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Even though Engø Gårdis is popular as a luxurious rural retreat, guests can still expect plenty of fun and excitement during their stay here. The hotel prepares a calendar of events every year, complete with days for special afternoon tea services, DJ parties, and even seasonal celebrations. April and July, for example, have Jazz Lunch days where you can enjoy live music while dining at Brasserie Nina. For days you do want to relax and unwind, book a spa session at Engø Spa, and choose from their extensive selection of treatments, therapies, and massages. The hotel can also arrange for activities such as sauna rafts, island hikes, and garden games.

If you do want to be out and about, Tjøme is home to the Færder National Park, an expansive protected area rich in wildlife as well as historic buildings. You can also visit the nearby communities; Tjøme has its own local museum with exhibits and information about the island, while Tønsberg has a Maritime Historic Center that details the town's whaling and fishing industry.

Should you need a venue for your company outing or private celebration, Engø Gård will be happy to host it for you. Their selection of wonderful venues are sure to impress, and your options can be scaled up or down depending on the number of attendants.

Full Hotel Booking

You can reserve the whole hotel and gain access to the services and amenities during your stay. Best for large company gatherings.
Capacity: 110 guests

Pensjonatet

Although it only has four bedrooms, the farmhouse can accommodate large functions such as conferences and reunions.
Capacity: 60 guests

Sjøboden

A waterside venue that is better suited for festivities rather than a seminar.
Capacity: 20 guests

Sjøglimt

The hotel's Chambre Séparée provides a stylish indoor dining and conference venue, and includes lovely views of the estate.
Capacity: 20 guests