History

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Rydals Herrgård was built in 1853 as a manager's residence for the factory opposite the main road. The factory was a spinning mill founded in 1853 on the initiative of one of the region's most powerful man, Sven Erikson, the founder of Rydal. You will find his memorial stone outside the former factory, now a museum. 

Rydal is not only the cradle of the textile industry, but here all the trade and mail order started. HM Rowells, for example, had its warehouse in the basement of Rydals Herrgård.

The design language of the residence breathes classicism, which is noticeable on the doors and windows. Torsten Ek took the title of manager in 1921 and was called the king of Rydal. He had a strong personality and ran the factory with a strong hand. He lived in the house with his family until 1954.

Torsten Ek's signature can be seen, among other things, on the inside of the left front door where it says "T.Ek 1935" in the wood. After he moved, the home was converted into a canteen for those who worked in the factory. 

During the summer of 2020, Torsten Ek's children and grandchildren have visited the residence several times and left some beautiful contemporary photographs. We are happy to show the photos to interested guests.

The factory's last machine fell silent as late as 2004 and is today, as mentioned, a museum that displays machines from 1891 onwards. Some machines run regularly and you can see how a yarn is made. In the museum's permanent historical exhibition, you will find out more about the history of the area.

The mansion has been an appreciated meeting place for all life's events since 1968 when it was converted into an inn.

Olof and Sara Söderberg took over Rydals Herrgård in April 2020 and opened the business on May 2 the same year.

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Due to the pandemic, Rydals Herrgård was kept closed for most of 2021, but the time was used for careful and reverent renovation. The business reopened on November 6, 2021.