Årestua from the 1220s

The work on Årestua is taking its course. How should one take care of what is perhaps Europe's oldest wooden home?

Exterior and interior cladding, as well as the roof, doors and windows have now been removed. Everything is ready for the timber to be transported to Morgedal next week. Carpenters Martin Eriksen and Trygve Lie will work here through the winter. When working with such old buildings, the least possible work should be done, but rot damage, damage from pests, etc. must be repaired. Next spring, the building will return to Nigard Bolkesjø where the building will be reassembled.

Unfortunately, there is a lot of damage to the logs both inside and out. But there are whole logs in both directions, so we know that the shape of the building is similar to what it was originally. There is black soot on the ridge, traces from when it was used as a log house. The log houses are from the time before people had chimneys, there was a fireplace in the middle of the room and the smoke came out of a hole in the ceiling.

The summer has been spent preparing a new plot of land. We have found the nicest spot on the entire property, with a great view of the Telemark Mountains, including Lifjell, Mælefjell, Gaustatoppen and Blefjell. Årestua will still be connected to the farm, but there will be more privacy for guests. There has been a lot of work with driving masses, as well as changing the electricity and adding VA.

Årestua will be renovated next spring and an entrance and extension will be built. In time, guests will be able to rent accommodation in this special building and hopefully have a very special experience.