Help restore a historic manor house in the heart of the Swedish forest.
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For the past 12 years, conservation camps have been organized to enhance the buildings of Årås' former manor house, which dates back to the 17th century. The non-profit organization Bygdegårdsföreningen Årås Kvarn was founded in 1983 with this aim. It purchased the mill and prepared seminar rooms. In 2011, the 7 buildings of the former manor house were purchased, and the forge was rebuilt, along with the sawmill.
According to legend, Årås was one of the most important farms in Västergötland in the Middle Ages. Just over 500 years ago, Gustav Vasa's confidant, the privy councillor Erik Eriksson Gyllenstierna the Younger from Lundholm, came to Årås. It was during the Gyllenstierna family's time that the estate reached its peak. The estate belonged to the same family for 200 years.
In 1792, the 15th-century main building burned down, but was rebuilt in 1809.
Today, the building comprises 16 rooms, two kitchens, three halls and a basement. The upper floor was once the parlor, and the ground floor was used as a servants' quarters, including a dairy, butcher's shop, maid's room and wine cellar. The basement is the oldest part of the house, dating from the 15th century. Two annexes date from the late 18th century.
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This educational camp focuses on traditional Swedish crafts and practices.
After a joint introduction, you'll be divided into teams of up to four participants. Each team will have the chance to work with different crafts: window renovation, carpentry, masonry and clay bricks...
Over the course of the week, you'll gain hands-on experience in each discipline through half-day sessions, and have the opportunity to learn ancient and traditional techniques. Window restoration, clay brick cladding and balcony construction take place in the impressive manor house, which was rebuilt after a fire in the 18th century. Lime mortar pointing and plastering takes place in the historic 16th-century Gyllenstier family period basement, giving you a unique insight into the craft and history of construction.
At the end of the week, we'll wrap up with a painting day where you'll work with linseed oil paint and egg oil tempera, to put the finishing touches on your projects. Throughout the camp, you'll not only gain knowledge, but also create something that can be kept and used for years to come.
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Group living and accommodation
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Food is included for the duration of the camp.
You prepare your own breakfast. Morning coffee and lunch will be served directly from the kitchen, and in the evening you'll prepare dinner as a team.
You'll stay in charming rooms at the Årås Kvarn hostel, where each room sleeps two and bed linen is included.
If you prefer, you can book a single room or a room in our Garden Hotel, at an additional cost.
Shower, washing machine and tumble dryer are available.
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Leisure and other activities
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After the day's work, you can take a dip in the lake, or explore the area on hiking trails or by bike (available). The manor also boasts pétanque courts and a park with a vegetable garden.
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No specific skills are required to take part.
In the days following your pre-registration, the International Relations Department will contact you by e-mail to arrange a telephone conversation.
This will enable us to get to know you better and give you more details about the workcamp (organization, arrival arrangements, etc.).
You can ask us any questions you may have, and let us know what you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
You will then receive a roadmap summarizing all useful information about the site.
Årås is located in the center of the Änglagårdsbygd region, between Jönköping, Falköping and Ulricehamn. The navigation address is 112 Kölingared, 523 75 Dalum. Electric car charging stations are available.
The nearest railway station is Mullsjö, 20 km away. From there, a pick-up service can be arranged for volunteers.
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