Kærstrup

Kjærstrup, also spelled Kærstrup, is a historic manor house and estate situated in Southeastern Denmark on the island of Lolland. Located approximately nine kilometers east of Rødby in Holeby, the property covers an extensive area of 487 hectares. The main building is a two-storey structure that originally featured half-timbered construction but was faced with brick in 1836 to update its appearance. A distinctive central tower was added to the front façade in 1868, contributing to its current Renaissance Revival architectural style. Although the core of the house dates back to a completion year of 1765 under the Raben family, the estate also features adjacent farm buildings from the early 1910s and a Baroque style garden originally laid out around 1765 which was later restored in 1900.

The site holds significant historical value as one of the oldest manors on Lolland, originating in a village that disappeared during the Middle Ages. First recorded in 1368 under owner Anders Siundesen Mule, the estate passed through several prominent noble families, including the Gøye and Rosenkrantz lines. In 1720, King Frederick IV acquired the property for the Lolland Cavalry District before it was sold at auction five years later. It eventually became the seat of the Raben family, with Christian Frederik Raben constructing the new main building on existing foundations in the mid-18th century. This lineage solidified the estate's status as a key agricultural and aristocratic center in the region for centuries.

Recognized for its cultural heritage, Kjærstrup was officially listed on the Danish registry of protected buildings and places in 1918. This designation protects the main house and its historical integrity, although the newer farm buildings from the 20th century are not included in the heritage listing. Today, the estate remains a notable landmark in Lolland Municipality, preserving centuries of architectural evolution and noble history. The combination of its protected status, expansive grounds, and distinct architectural features makes it a significant example of Danish manor house traditions that have survived from the medieval era through to the modern day.