Astrup Manor by Lake Skarresø

Astrup Gods at Skarresø – 350 Years of West Zealand Estate Life

Astrup Gods sits beautifully on the western shore of Skarresø lake in Bjergsted parish, surrounded by rolling moraine landscape and dense woodland. Located just a few kilometres southeast of Jyderup in Kalundborg Municipality, the estate encompasses 680 hectares of farmland, forest and a significant portion of Skarresø itself, making it one of the most prominent agricultural estates in northwestern Zealand since the 17th century.

From Royal Gift to Noble Possession

The roots of Astrup Gods reach back to King Frederik III, who in 1670 transferred a collection of farms in the village of Astrup to the merchant Gabriel Marselis as repayment for loans to the crown. The farms were later consolidated into a single property, and in the early 18th century Astrup came under Carl von Ahlefeldt, who already owned Østrupgaard – later known as Lerchenborg. This marked the beginning of a long-lasting connection between Astrup and the powerful Lerche family, who shaped the estate landscape around Kalundborg for generations.

General Christian Lerche, who established the County of Lerchenborg in 1742, acquired Astrup as part of his growing estate empire. However, Astrup was never formally incorporated into the county itself but remained so-called allodial property – a freehold estate that could be traded independently. This did not prevent the Lerche family from holding onto the property for over a hundred years.

The Main Building and Landscape

The current main building dates from 1876 and was constructed as a two-storey villa with a square corner tower that lends the building a subtly romantic character. Originally built in red brick, it now appears rendered with a tile roof. The main building is idyllically situated facing Skarresø, with an open garden of approximately three barrels of land extending to the east and south. West of the main building stand the numerous farm buildings, including a three-winged farmstead from the same period, bearing witness to the estate's historical agricultural operations.

The landscape around Astrup features gentle hills and wooded river valleys – a typical West Zealand moraine area where the Ice Age shaped the terrain in soft undulations. Skarresø itself is one of Zealand's most beautiful lakes, and while the estate is not open to the public, visitors can enjoy views of the historic property from the Skarresø trail that winds through the area.

An Estate in Transformation

Astrup has changed character many times over the centuries. From classic estate farming with tenant farmers through hop and flax production to a period as a rescue home for alcoholics. In 1952 the company Poul Bergsøe & Søn purchased the estate, and ownership has since passed to the current proprietor. Today Astrup Gods focuses on agriculture, forestry and hunting leases, and the estate encompasses not only Astrup itself but also properties such as Regstruplund, Kongens Mølle and Gryde Mølle.

Experiences in the Area

The area around Astrup Gods offers plenty of nature and cultural experiences. Skarresø Rundt is a popular walking route that leads through the forests along the lake shores. To the north lies Jyderup with its charming town centre, and to the south you can explore the historic village of Bjergsted with its medieval church. Lerchenborg Castle – Astrup's historical "big sister" – is just a short drive to the west and well worth a visit for anyone interested in manor house heritage. For more experiences in West Zealand, visit destinationsjaelland.dk.