Lillsjönäsgårt

A stone's throw from Abrahamsberg metro station, we find a remnant of rural Bromma. Nestled in greenery, at the end of a lime tree avenue, is Lillsjönäs farm. A place with traces of the past.

The main building was built in 1834 by master shoemaker Magnus Sohlberg. Today the site is surrounded by dense 20th century buildings. In the 1830s, this was a rural environment at a reasonable distance from the city. There were opportunities for gardening, parties and fishing in nearby Lillsjön. The land was used for cultivation.

Lillsjönäs was a private summer resort until 1908. Then the property played an important role in the expansion of Bromma. By subdividing its own land, Lillsjönäs farm was one of the first to lay the foundations for a villa community. The last private owner, wholesaler P. Kindgren, started one of the country's earliest bus lines to increase the attractiveness of the area. The line ran between Lillsjönäs and Kungsbroplan.

In 1908 the City of Stockholm bought the farm buildings and the rest of the Lillsjönäs plots. An orphanage with an educational institution and a country school was established here. Boys were trained in 'agricultural and horticultural professions' and girls as 'domestic servants'. This educational and support activity was new and untested, and the one at Lillsjönäs was the first in the country. Since the 1940s until 2018, the building has housed various associations and a youth center.

The main building is well preserved and the style is typical of early 19th century ideals. It is a rare example of a summer resort from this period. During a renovation in the 1950s, much of the older furnishings were lost. However, the outdoor environment has been preserved as a rural oasis. Traces can be seen of the 19th century garden structure with a lime tree avenue, orchard and lilac bushes. A few tall deciduous trees stand next to the main building. Probably a remnant of an English park with winding paths, which was popular at the time.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

These two 1952c watercolour impressions, by an unknown artist visiting Lillsjönäsgårt  were recently discovered in a car boot: "the kitchen", with wood burning stove, and "ironing".

All information or suggestions concerning the artist are welcomed.