# Egeberg Castle

- **Country:** Norway
- **Coordinates:** 59.921700, 10.747400
- **Builder:** Westye Egeberg
- **Architect:** Halfdan Berle
- **Location Text:** Oslo Municipality

Egeberg Castle, known locally as Egebergslottet, is a prominent building located in the St. Hanshaugen district of Oslo, Norway. Constructed between 1899 and 1901, this grand residence was designed by the leading architect Halfdan Berle for Einar Westye Egeberg, a co-owner of the significant lumber company Westye Egeberg & Co, and his wife Birgitte. Upon its completion, it stood as Oslo's largest private home, spanning 1,600 square meters across two main floors and a distinctive tower section. The structure was built using high-quality granite and soapstone at a substantial cost of 12 million Norwegian kroner in 1901 values, originally surrounded by an expansive park offering splendid views over the city and harbor.

The architectural style of the mansion is defined by the Italian Renaissance, featuring noble forms and interior ceilings crafted by Italian stucco workers. The original layout included formal reception areas on the first floor, private quarters on the second, and a billiard room situated in the tower. Notable historical details include the installation of an early elevator to assist Mrs. Egeberg, who suffered from partial paralysis, and the acquisition of a Minerva automobile in 1912 to facilitate her daily drives. These features highlight the luxury and modernity afforded to the family during the early twentieth century before Mrs. Egeberg's death in 1930.

Following the economic depression of the 1930s, the property was sold to Bolig-Bygg AS and underwent significant structural changes to adapt to new needs. Two additional floors were created within the existing footprint by subdividing the second floor and converting the loft area, transforming the singular family estate into an apartment building containing twenty-four separate units. While it no longer serves as a private residence, Egeberg Castle remains a historically significant landmark in Oslo, representing the opulence of the era and the architectural legacy of Halfdan Berle.

![Photo of Egeberg Castle](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Egebergslottet.JPG)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egeberg_Castle (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)