One visit to Dinesen Country Home is enough to convince you of the Danish wood company's expertise and love for wood. Dinesen's fine wooden plank floors are known for lining some of the most design-led, house-envy-inducing homes around the world, and the special home in Jels showcases the company's strengths and capabilities in supporting wooden architecture through its calm, thoughtful interior finishes beloved natural material.
Now the property, originally the private home of the Dinesen family, has just received an elegant makeover by Copenhagen-based architecture and design studio Mentze Ottenstein; This heralds a new chapter in the history of the historic house.
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
Discover the new chapter of Dinesen Country Home
The country house is located next to the Dinesen production facilities in Jels, Denmark, and has served as a retreat for the Dinesen family since it was first purchased in 2006. The recent renovation sensitively refreshes the historic property while transforming it into a flagship of the lumber company as well as a guest house and event space for its visitors and companies.
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
The house, a traditional South Jutland longhouse with a thatched roof, retains its external historical appearance, has been lovingly restored and painted in the typology's characteristic white tones. Located in the middle of the country's greenery, it offers an oasis of peace – and at the same time acts as a brand showcase for its owner.
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
Upon entering, the wooden craftsmanship of the design is clearly apparent – a blend of contemporary forms with centuries-old traditional techniques refined over centuries. Neutral tones, light colors and natural wooden surfaces dominate and create a calming, cozy atmosphere.
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
The property is spread over two levels, including an extensive ground floor with living areas (kitchen, dining and seating areas) overlooking the green Danish countryside. Upstairs are the bedrooms and bathrooms, all clad in warm wood and handcrafted features (occasionally painted a striking shade of green as a nod to the rural location).
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
Designers Mathias Mentze and Alexander Ottenstein say of the redesign: “We maintained a consistent color for door frames and ceiling beams while introducing a color gradient from room to room, starting with lighter colors and ending in what was once the family living room,” which is now considered cozy Library is decorated with dark walls.'
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
They add: “A space is like a portrait of the person or people who inhabit it.” We tried to paint a portrait of where Dinesen is today through decisions and approaches that allow for change, so that there is no is not a static project, but open to being filled with new stories. “We hope to come back and see that the library is filled with books, that the cabinets are full of textiles, and that pieces of furniture by and from Dinesen's friends and partners are included and communicate with each other in a unified experience.”
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
Hans Peter Dinesen, brand director and fifth-generation member of the Dinesen family, says: “We hope that the house will provide the framework for countless visits and events in the coming years.” The house represents as well as the history of the Family's love and care for traditions and wood. Generations of families have lived here since 1885, all of whom make a living from the surrounding lands and agriculture.”
“Like any home, Dinesen Country Home is an ongoing story, a sum of fragments and lives lived, in which items have been added and removed and replaced with unique items that accumulate over time.” Our goal is to both to understand our historical roots and to explore new dimensions of corporate identity.”
(Image credit: Monica Grue Steffensen)
The Dinesen Country Home is open to the company's friends and guests and is partially available for public bookings for stays and events on selected dates in the future
dinesen.com