Lade Manor

Lade Manor, known locally as Lade gård, is a historic estate situated in the Lade community just outside the city of Trondheim, Norway. While the site has served as a significant settlement since the late 9th century, the current main building was constructed between 1810 and 1811. Commissioned by Hilmar Meincke Krohg, the County Governor of Romsdals Amt at the time, the structure was designed in the distinctive Empire style. This architectural choice reflects the aesthetic preferences of the early 19th century, marking a departure from the earlier medieval structures that once occupied the grounds.

The location holds profound historical significance as the traditional seat of the Earls of Lade, powerful rulers who governed the regions of Trøndelag and Hålogaland from the 9th to the 11th centuries. During the reign of King Harald Fairhair, it functioned as a royal residence before later coming under the administration of Bakke Abbey following the introduction of Christianity. After the Protestant Reformation, the property transitioned into Crown land. Over the subsequent centuries, ownership shifted through various entities, including the King of Norway and educational institutions such as the Norwegian College of General Sciences and the Social Academy in Trondheim.

In 1917, the City of Trondheim purchased the estate, utilizing the premises for academic purposes for several decades. A major turning point occurred in 1992 when the Reitan Group acquired the property from the municipality. Under their ownership, the buildings underwent extensive restoration to preserve their historical integrity. Today, Lade Manor serves as the cultural and financial center for the Reitan Group, maintaining its status as one of the most important historic farms and manor houses in the region while remaining an active hub for business and culture.