Louhisaari manor


Louhisaari Manor is a historic baroque manor house in Askainen in the municipality of Masku, Western Finland Province, Finland. The mansion is the birthplace and childhood home of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, Finnish military leader, statesman and sixth president of Finland.

History

The Fleming family acquired the Louhisaari estate around the middle of the 15th century. The Louihisaari Flemings held prominent offices in the kingdom of Sweden., admiral and governor of Finland constructed the manor in 1655. After three hundred years the Fleming family had to sell the house due to financial circumstances. The Mannerheim family acquired the manor in 1795. Known residents were Carl Gustaf Mannerheim, a Finnish entomologist and governor of the Viipuri province, and his grandson Marshall Carl Gustaf Mannerheim, who was born here in 1867. Baroness Wilhelmina Mannerheim moved to Sweden and sold the house to Oskar Hannus in 1903. A charity committee in honour of Marshall Mannerheim purchased the mansion and donated it Finnish State in 1965, who opened it as a museum for visitors in 1967. The museum gives a good impression how people lived between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Architecture & design

The house is a fine and rare example of a Palladian-style country house in Finland. The architect is unknown, but some presume Herman Fleming, the owner, to be the builder and designer. During its history, the buildings more or less remained in their original form, but were subject to renovations and repair. During the restoration of the 1960s, the exterior was restored back to its 17th century style as much as possible. The first and third floor of the manor were also restored in 17th century style, while the second floor was brought back to the 18th and 19th century design.
The house is surrounded by a park in English landscape style.

Gallery