Sostrup Castle

Sostrup Castle is a historic Renaissance estate located in Gjerrild parish within Norddjurs Municipality, Denmark. Construction of the main building commenced in 1599 and was completed in 1606, resulting in a structure situated on a rectangular bank west of a meadow and former seabed. The property encompasses twenty hectares of castle grounds alongside nearly two hundred and forty hectares of adjacent farmland and woodland. While the estate features extensive farm buildings and employee quarters to the west, the main house itself is notable for a rear timber-framed gable that was originally intended as a temporary measure before a fourth wing could be constructed, a wing that was never built.

The site holds significant historical depth, with records suggesting a farm existed there as early as 1327 under King Christopher II. First mentioned in writing in 1388, the estate served as the manor house for the County of Scheel from 1723 until 1823 and later became an entailed estate under the Benzon family. In 1960, the castle underwent a major transformation when it became a monastery for the Cistercian order of nuns, who added a church to the complex and utilized the grounds for retreat and boarding activities. This religious chapter concluded in 2012 when the monastery closed its doors.

Following the departure of the nuns, the property was sold in June 2014 to siblings Kirsten and Anders Bundgaard. The new owners initiated a comprehensive restoration project with the goal of repurposing the historic site for modern hospitality. Their plans include establishing a conference center, rentable guest rooms, and a restaurant. Although the largest existing room currently accommodates sixty people, the owners have sought permissions to open a larger great hall to better serve visitors and events, marking a new era for this centuries-old Danish landmark.