A brief history of the estate
Tofta Manor’s extensive history runs from the 15th century onwards. Early on, it was part of the salary for the Chief Judge of Bohuslän. During the 17th century, it became a homestead with military functions for Bohuslän’s dragoons.
Its heyday occurred during the second half of the 1th century, coinciding with ”the great herring period”. The existing main building is extended by another floor in Carolean style. The wings are constructed. A French-style garden is established, with geometrically shaped lawns and garden beds.
During the 19th century, agriculture develops. A four-storey windmill in English style is built to begin liquor production, while walls are built around 64 acres of below-sea-level land.
At the start of the 20th century, Erik Adolf Hallin buys the property and turns it into a stylish family home. The main building interior is influenced by national romanticism of Carl Larsson’s spirit. The dining room is decorated with white-painted furniture and linen wallpaper with pastel embroidery in traditional style. Other interesting items include French wallpaper in polychrome print from 1831, figure-rich hunting motifs and a culinary scene in a romantic landscape of ruins.
Recent history
In 1981, Hushållningssälskapet ("the Agricultural Society") in Bohuslän sold the estate to Lillemor and Bertil Karlander, who initially ran the farm conventionally with cows, pigs, and grain. Over time, they renovated the buildings on the estate. They were essential in the process of having the buildings declared cultural heritage sites on January 23, 1984.
Gradually, they started the first activities that opened the estate to visitors. Lillemor ran her shop in the Magasinet during many summers, selling handicrafts and running a gallery, including the popular Christmas market during Advent. Together with Bertil's brother, Rolf Karlander, Lillemor and Bertil also started the first Christmas buffets in the mid-90s.
Petter (son of Lillemor and Bertil) and his Norwegian wife Karen started the conference and hotel business at Tofta in 2004. The business is now well-established in both the conference and tourist markets. The restaurant and meeting rooms are located in the main manor building.
The restaurant in the manor serves high-quality food with a focus on locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Conferences and various weekend packages are offered year-round. Currently, there are 18 hotel rooms in the annexes Smedjan and Verkstan. In 2022/23, 2 hot tubs and a large sauna designed by Karin Wingårdh were opened.
Since 2023, Linda (daughter of Lillemor and Bertil) and her husband Jonas Boström have been the owners of Tofta Manor and operate the estate with a strong commitment to ecology and heritage conservation, which is reflected in their careful management of both the agriculture and the historic buildings. Linda and Jonas have been in charge of the activities in "Magasinet" and the agriculture here at Tofta since 2011.