Anne Lütken, Broholm GodsHistorical luxury on Fyn
The setting could scarcely be better. The scenery is lovely, and the manor houses are set like a string of pearls. Hans Christian Andersen once described Fyn as ‘the land of 100 manor houses’.
We visited Broholm, which has set a forward-looking course with a new gourmet restaurant opening in 2008, more rooms and, eventually, plans for a high-calibre golf course.
We visited Broholm, which has set a forward-looking course with a new gourmet restaurant opening in 2008, more rooms and, eventually, plans for a high-calibre golf course.
Unique authenticity
Broholm Gods, Dobbeltværelse
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Although the lounge is not the private residence of her and her husband, the ambience is very cosy, and the interior confirms that the formal, historical atmosphere is no coincidence. The furniture is original and matches the vintage of the rooms. It has been chosen with care so that visitors can feel welcome and yet perceive the special atmosphere of a manor house.
“That’s what is so special here; our authenticity is unique, I believe – and that is what visitors emphasise about Broholm, too. It feels like ‘long ago’, and our guests can freely walk around from room to room, and eat meals in original, finely restored surroundings,” Anne Lütken explains.
Broholm currently offers accommodation in 15 individually furnished rooms, but there are plans for expansion over the next few years. The demand exists, and with the increased focus of today’s mature holidaymakers on pampering and unique experiences, Anne Lütken also believes this to be a perfectly natural development.
“We took over Broholm in a dilapidated condition in 2001 and we’re still restoring it. But now the place is fully functional, and our vision is to expand the country-club element at Broholm. We already have a large equestrian centre, and if we can get permission to build the golf course, we will also add on a wellness section. All so that we can offer a complete package,” she explains.
Trappetårnet Broholm GodsSo far, the complete package has been lacking a good restaurant… but preparations are fully underway for the opening in 2008.
“There are good restaurants in the area, such as Lundeborg, but we would like to be able to offer a combination of food and accommodation. That will boost our concept and the perception of manor-house luxury,” Anne adds.
At the moment, business is booming with private guests, conferences, exclusive business meetings, seminars, private parties and events.
“Many guests today know exactly what they are looking for. They’re choosy and they demand the ultimate, but that just helps to keep us on our toes so that we can offer the very best service at all times. In some cases they want special, evocative experiences that they can treasure for a long time to come, so they might come to us with the desire to be pampered. The setting is superb, but the place also has a good history and you can’t help absorbing some of that while you’re here,” as she puts it.
That is an understatement: for example, a number of Renaissance paintings are displayed in Klaverstuen, ranging from kings to noblemen, sons, daughters and wives, and the family trees on the wall testify to Broholm’s long history.
Anne Lütken is currently working on a book about the history of Broholm, which she intends to write with the help of historian Anna Grethe Amkær – because she feels the lack of such a work. She knows a great deal about her ancestors, their deeds and when the different rooms were built and furnished. Some during the Renaissance, back when it was built in the 17th century, others in the 1850s, when the style was lighter and brighter.
“It matters a great deal to me to find items that suit the place – either by restoring the old things or buying similar ones at auction. I really won’t compromise on that, because it is Broholm’s trademark. But the rooms must suit modern times, of course, offering modern comforts, good beds, bathrooms, and so on,” she comments regarding the major interior design work. The work of running and maintaining Broholm takes up a lot of hours, but the succession is already assured – Anne’s son Anders will succeed her one day as the 13th generation to continue running the manor.
“There’s something very special about a place that has been in the ownership of the same family for such a long time. And it’s a great joy each day to be here and to see Broholm develop.”
“There are good restaurants in the area, such as Lundeborg, but we would like to be able to offer a combination of food and accommodation. That will boost our concept and the perception of manor-house luxury,” Anne adds.
At the moment, business is booming with private guests, conferences, exclusive business meetings, seminars, private parties and events.
“Many guests today know exactly what they are looking for. They’re choosy and they demand the ultimate, but that just helps to keep us on our toes so that we can offer the very best service at all times. In some cases they want special, evocative experiences that they can treasure for a long time to come, so they might come to us with the desire to be pampered. The setting is superb, but the place also has a good history and you can’t help absorbing some of that while you’re here,” as she puts it.
That is an understatement: for example, a number of Renaissance paintings are displayed in Klaverstuen, ranging from kings to noblemen, sons, daughters and wives, and the family trees on the wall testify to Broholm’s long history.
Anne Lütken is currently working on a book about the history of Broholm, which she intends to write with the help of historian Anna Grethe Amkær – because she feels the lack of such a work. She knows a great deal about her ancestors, their deeds and when the different rooms were built and furnished. Some during the Renaissance, back when it was built in the 17th century, others in the 1850s, when the style was lighter and brighter.
“It matters a great deal to me to find items that suit the place – either by restoring the old things or buying similar ones at auction. I really won’t compromise on that, because it is Broholm’s trademark. But the rooms must suit modern times, of course, offering modern comforts, good beds, bathrooms, and so on,” she comments regarding the major interior design work. The work of running and maintaining Broholm takes up a lot of hours, but the succession is already assured – Anne’s son Anders will succeed her one day as the 13th generation to continue running the manor.
“There’s something very special about a place that has been in the ownership of the same family for such a long time. And it’s a great joy each day to be here and to see Broholm develop.”
