Breidablikk Mansion, Stavanger

Breidablikk Mansion, designed by architect Henrik Nissen in 1881, was originally owned by Lars Berentsen, a prominent merchant and shipowner in Stavanger. This mansion is exceptionally well-preserved, offering a detailed glimpse into the lifestyle of Norway’s middle class at the end of the 19th century.

Built in the Swiss style with romantic and gothic influences, Breidablikk’s interior is one of the richest and best-preserved examples of historic design. It features a diverse array of furniture in gothic, rococo, baroque, and other styles, all showcasing outstanding craftsmanship.

In addition to the main mansion, the original house and barn from 1852 remain on the property. The barn now houses an exhibition of farming tools and horse-drawn vehicles. The surrounding park, designed in the English style with winding paths and exotic trees, is also well maintained.

The mansion was completed in 1881 and occupied the following year. Teak for the windows and mahogany for the doors were imported from Siam (Thailand) by Berentsen’s ships, with thick, cut plate glass used for the windows. The mansion, larger than Ledaal, features woodcarvings by a relative of the Bergslien brothers and ceiling decorations by Louis Anton Jacobsen and his brothers, who were notable decorative painters.

Breidablikk is recognized as one of the finest examples of 1880s historicism in Norway, both in terms of materials and craftsmanship. Most of the mansion’s interior furnishings were acquired when it was first occupied. The interiors remain some of the best preserved from this era in Norway.

The garden, designed by P.H. Poulsson, retains many of its original features, including winding paths and exotic trees. The Breidablikk Foundation was established in 1972, and the mansion’s first floor opened to the public in 1975, followed by the second floor in 1977, and the cellar in 1979. In 1989, the Foundation donated the entire property to the Stavanger Museum.