Martinegården on Enebærodde

Martinegården is a thatched, four-winged farm located in the middle of Enebærodde.

History of Martinegården

The farm was built by the estate owners of Hofmansgave Manor, who owned Enebærodde. Estate owner Niels Hofman-Bang (1776-1855) was an avid botanist and had a great interest in agriculture and agricultural development. He therefore wanted to try to get something out of the windy and desolate headland. He tried to establish a cherry orchard named Charlottenlund, after his wife Charlotte. However, the cherry trees could not survive, so instead, a beech forest was created.

In 1851, Martinegården was built in its current form. Martinegården is named after Niels Hofman-Bang's son and heir Niels Erik Hofman-Bang's wife Martine - she was, incidentally, her mother-in-law Charlotte's younger cousin. The farm was initially to be used for cattle farming, and a manager was appointed to the position. Later, cattle farming was abandoned, and instead, Martinegården became a sheep farm.

In 1871, the tenant at Martinegården was Jørgen Knudsen, and that year he became the father of Martin Knudsen, who grew up as a shepherd but was so gifted in school that he was allowed to continue his studies and ended up as a famous and renowned oceanographer and physicist with expertise in quantum mechanics.

Martinegården and little Martin nearly did not survive the storm surge of November 13, 1872, when the sea flooded over the headland, and sea spray washed over the windows - but fortunately, the sea retreated at the right time.

Martinegården during World War II

During World War II, Martinegården was used by the resistance fighters. Nearby, there was a place where English planes could unseen drop explosives for the resistance fighters. These were picked up here and transported to Odense and other places.

Martinegården today

Martinegården is still owned by the Hofmansgave estate and is now used as a scout camp. The farm can be rented from April to November by scouts, schools, and fishing associations.

Martinegården can be viewed from the outside.