The Eldhuset – almost 800 years old!

In the spring of 2020, tree ring samples were taken to determine the age of the Eldhuset. This was done in collaboration with the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum (NIA). The results surprised everyone, the timber was from the 1220s!

The stove on the right in the picture

This makes Eldhuset one of the oldest profane (non-religious) buildings in Norway and perhaps also the oldest residential building. To put things into perspective; Vindlausloftet in Eidsborg is dated to 1167. This is the oldest profane building we know of in Norway today, and probably also the oldest profane wooden building in the world, and therefore only 60 years older than Eldhuset!

Originally, the Eldhuset was probably the main house on the farm and a barn. A barn is a building without a chimney, where there is an opening in the roof to let out the smoke from the fireplace, which was in the middle of the room. The building is covered by a protective cladding, but unfortunately there is extensive damage to the timber. Some of the damage is probably due to the building having had several known locations.

Hans Marumsrud, Kjell Andresen from the Norwegian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Leif

The stove is located in a “new” basement, from the 1930s.

The Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage has been involved in the project from the start, responsibility for medieval buildings has now been transferred to Vestfold and Telemark County Council. Work will continue with a thorough examination of the building, in spring 2021. Based on this, it can be decided how the house can best be preserved.

We assumed the building was old, but did not expect it to be of national interest. Time will tell what secrets the Eldhuset can tell.

The power house can be found in old photos and drawings, in various locations.