Bårdshaug Herregård was constructed during the historic reign of the United Kingdom’s famed Queen Victoria, who sat on the British throne from 1837 to 1901.

Originally a parsonage, Bårdshaug Herregård was purchased by architect, consul, and businessman Christian Thams in the 1890s. Known as a founding member of designing and exporting log buildings, Thams translated his work into rebuilding and renovating Bårdshaug Herregård to become a distinctive manor home. He was responsible for designing homes for many cultural luminaries including Brigitte Bardot, King Leopold of Belgium, and Eiffel Tower-designer Gustav Eiffel.

Thoughtfully designed and decorated, Bårdshaug Herregård incorporated Christian Thams' interests and hobbies, including a dining room adorned with intricate wooden carvings, a game hunting themed library, a technologically advanced bathroom showcasing a water thermometer, and a bridal suite featuring King Louis furnishings from 1780. The estate became a popular guesthouse with noble visitors including Oscar II of Sweden, The Prince of Monaco, King Leopold of Belgium and Norway's own King Olav V.

After a series of legal problems, Christian Thams fled for Paris and never returned. Today, Bårdshaug Herregård remains much as it did when Thams had used it as a personal residence. A combination of international architecture and decor with romantic furnishings, Bårdshaug Herregård is a testament to Thams' passion of travel and culture.