Saturday, July 25, 2009

The Abandoned Farm

Abandoned House

This is the abandoned (well sort of), Högsta farm at Åvavägen in Haninge. I guess most people that pass by here on their way to the Högsta Motor Stadium or the Tyresta National Park don't think twice about this place. The last person who lived here was Bertil Eriksson. He sold the property in the 1960's, but lived here until 1990 when Rolf Norlin and his wife bought the nearby Hammarby Farm. Berra has written a message above the door to his house. It says Merry Christmas, so maybe Berra moved out sometime after celebrating one last Christmas here. After leaving Högsta Bertil moved to an apartment in Handen, bud died later the same year. He was originally from Gålö. Rolf Norlin now has plans to build a new stable here, and is hoping to fix up the old house with the help of some of his employee.. On the field behind the house there's even a runestone from the Viking Era. If not unique, that has to be a bit special!

Thermænius Treshing Machine


There are a few buildings of interest here. Together with my flickr friend Jim I had a look around the farm a few days ago. The big barn looks like it could collapse at any time. Inside we found one horse carriage and two sleighs. One of the sleighs ought to be at the nearby Berga Agricultural museum I think. Another item that should be in a better setting is the Thermænius Treshing Machine from 1950. There are not many of those still around. The company that made it, AB Johan Thermaenius & Son, started in Hallsberg in 1894. Since then the name has changed as many times as it has changed owners, today the owner is Volvo.

Old Sled

I should point out that there are signs of life here. The property is owned byTina and Rolf Norlin. It's their crops that surround the runestone. The Norlin's live and work at the nearby Hammarby Farm. They rent out the stable building, where a group of young girls have their horses.

12 comments:

PurestGreen said...

How wonderful! The house is mysterious and slightly eerie, and that sleigh - my mouth dropped open when I saw it. It is the kind of thing that seems to be come from some kind of dream land. You find the best places.

MrsLittleJeans said...

I was gonna say that it looked too good to be abandoned but the sleigh sure looks like it belonged to Santa Claus!

brattcat said...

The house still seems to be connected to the world. Funny, it looks as if the owner has only stepped away for a moment but that sleigh...that looks like it has traveled across a great span of time to appear before your camera.

Don and Krise said...

The barn reminds me of my Aunt's. It is from the late 1800's and on the local historic register. Inside there are a couple of old cars, horse equipment and other odds and ends. Places like this are so much fun to explore.

Lowell said...

When you said he moved out 50 years ago, I was surprised it was still standing and in such good shape.

At least the land is being used...one wonders what will become of it.

It's beautiful, and sad at the same time.

Leif Hagen said...

Hej Steffe Meister! What a dreamy red house it was "in its day!" Wish I had a "sommerstuga" in Sweden in that style! The sled was also wonderful when it was new and in good shape! Vad bra att du ar ocksa utan "norsktattoo!" Vad hemst! Halsningar fran Hagen

VP said...

You have built an interesting story with words and images. I like your explorations of abandoned houses, practically impossible here. This farmhouse is still beautiful, the machine not so different from some seen at granddad's many years ago.
The sled is simply wonderful!

John said...

Great place, makes me think of the Sierra 'ghost town' of Bodie.

Barbara said...

Love these captures. I love all things old and they make great subjects. Barbara

Tinsie said...

What a shame that such a pretty house has been abandoned! I wonder what happened to the owner...

Stefan Jansson said...

Earlier this summer I met a woman who has lived at Alby all her life. It's not far from Högsta. Her name is Ingrid, and she's 86 years young. If I meet her again, I will ask her if she has any info about Bertil Eriksson. And if I visit Högsta gain I think I might try to get a look inside the house.

Stefan Jansson said...

Here is an update and it seems Jacob was right. Berra sold the place in the 1960's but did actually live here until 1990. I have updated the post because I met the owner to the Hammarby Farm and he gave me some new facts.