History

For about 200 years, hospitality has been the hallmark of Refsnes Manor, and has been a centre for society in the district since the 1770's. Its beautiful location on the west side of Jeløy with its spectacular outlook over the Oslofjord has contributed much to the popularity of Refsnes Manor throughout the years.

The landscape and unique flora have attracted many, including great artists such as Edvard Munch, Peder Balke, Hans Gude and many others. The same traditions of hospitality so much appreciated by visitors to Refsnes in the past is upheld by Hotel Refsnes Manor for the benefit of today's guests.

David Chrystie was one of the towns leading businessmen. He ran an prosperious timber company as well as being involved in other branches of business and was well respected and popular in Moss. Among other things he was also a principal patron of the foundation of the Bank of Norway.

Refsnes soon became Chrystie's favourite haunt and it seems most likely that it was he who gave the buildings and surrounding landscape their patrician character. The main building has been dated to around  1767. The famous limetree avenue in front of the house was probably planted in Chrystie's time and it was he who gave the grounds their park like appearance. David and his beautiful wife Sophie were known for their generous hospitality and a blossoming social scene developed at Refsnes. There are several recordings in their diaries of the successful society functions hosted by the Chrystie's.

Even in the difficult years after 1814 the well-to-do citizens continued to amuse themselves at the hunting-lodge which Refsnes was known as at the time. There were numerous balls and parties and one diary entry from that period describes a masquerade for 300 guests. Many famous artists of the period were regular guests of the Chrystie's at Refsnes. Henrik Wergelands sister, Camilla visited in 1831 with her parents. She was 21 years old and the visit to Refsnes obviously made a strong impression on Camilla Collet, as she later became. In her memories she mentions 'lovely Refsnes' and many years later recalled "this rich and handsomely appointed family did everything to ensure our visit was pleasurable and comfortable".

David Chrystie died in 1835 and his widow took over Refsnes. They had no children and in 1844 she sold the estate to a man called Jens Christiansen. This signalled the end of a great epoch in Refsnes' history. The Chrystie's had run Refsnes for about 50 years.

In 1855 Consul Lorentz Meyer took over the estate and with him began a new period of fame for Refsnes. Consul Meyer came to love the place. He built two towers to accommodate the need for more space for his family. He spent every single summer there with his family and friends. The Consul was known to have great love of old trees and the wealth of deciduos trees at Refsnes gave him great pleasure.

Like his predecessors he kept open house for his family and his friends over the summer season with large social gatherings.

Consul Meyer died in 1888 and his wife in 1890, and Refsnes passed on to his daughter Sophie who was married to a police doctor, Haakon Boeck from Christiania. Doctor Boeck came from a family whose various members had great influence on Norwegian science in the previous century and he had himself in his youth won the "Skjeldrup god medal". A kindhearted man, generous, charitable and respected by all. He also was one of the founders of the Norwegian Kennel Club.

Many well known personalities enjoyed the Boeck's hospitality in the 1890'. The painter Hans Gude was a regular guest. It was through him that Dr. Boeck became acquainted with Henrik Ibsen. Ibsen was invited to Refsnes the summer of 1894 - the great poet was tempted but busy writing one of his plays.

In August 1989 King Oscar II visited Refsnes.
The photo is taken on the stairs outside the original main building with his hosts Dr. Boeck and wife Sophie.

When Sophie Boeck died in 1917, her son Lorentz Meyer Boeck upheld the tradition of entertaining family and friends during the summer season at Refsnes until his death in 1935.

The painter Edvard Munch was fascinated by beautiful and lush Jeloy where Refsnes Manor is located. He spent the years between 1913-1917 here, renting Grimsroed not far from Refsnes. Munch was one of the distinguished guests who enjoyed the hospitality of the Boeck family.

Today our guests enjoy their meal in Restaurant Munch in the company of 7 Munch original works of art. 

After Boeck, Refsnes was sold and in 1938 became a popular restaurant for guests who often travelled far to enjoy the atmosphere and excellent cuisine at Refsnes.

During world war II, German officers used Refsnes for accommodation and more than 100 officers stayed here.

From 1970s Refsnes Manor was changed into a hotel, keeping the original building as restaurant and banqueting facilities. Today the hotel has 61 guests rooms and facilites for conferences and private functions.

Refsnes Manor is not only a historic memorial, but also a hotel in a class by itself. The Salbuvik family took over the Manor in 1997. Excellent food, wine and personal service are all in the finest traditions and are an important part of the hotel experience. In recent years, art have been added as a fourth element; today the hotel contains a considerable collection of Nordic contemorary art - 90 artists are represented with 400 original works of art.