The foundations are being laid
Gammgårn is being built here in Vännfors. The timber and frame from that era still support the house, just as they have for over 200 years.
The Story of Wallhalla
From Gammgårn to
Bed & Breakfast in Vännfors
It all began fifteen years ago when we decided to renovate and decorate Gammgårn, an old Västerbotten farmhouse. Ing-Marie had long dreamed of giving Gammgårn a new lease of life after more than 50 years of slumber. When the renovation was finished in 2012, we had two houses on the farm where people could stay. That was when the idea was born to open a Bed & Breakfast and welcome guests. During the first few years, it was Gammgårn that was Wallhalla.
The farm's roots in Vännfors
Ever since the early 20th century, there have been two traditional farmsteads from Västerbotten on the homestead here in Vännfors. It is believed that as early as 1812 there was a farm here, the one later to be known as Gammgårn, where Ing-Marie's grandfather Karl grew up.
When he married Mina, who came from Storhäggsjö, another house was moved here, dismantled in 1902 from her home village on the other side of the mountain. Since then, the two houses have been on the farmstead.
The farm continues to grow
We have continued to develop the farm step by step. We have built the 'Sleep & Relax' annexe, our orangery and renovated the barn, which is now used for smaller parties and meetings. In this way, the farm has gained more spaces where people can stay, gather and enjoy themselves. New ideas pop up along the way, and the farm continues to evolve in step with them.
timeline of Valhalla
From a house that had stood empty for over 50 years to a place that’s come back to life. Here is the story of how Wallhalla took shape.
1812
1874
The family farm is taking shape
When Erik Eriksson and Albertina buy the farm, a long family history begins that eventually leads to us.
1930s
A place for learning
For a time, Gammgårn was used as the village’s middle school. Miss Lindfors, the schoolmistress, lived in what is now the kitchen and bedroom.
2008
The barn becomes a meeting place
We started by converting the cows' living quarters into a party and conference venue. It was inaugurated when we got married on 2 August 2008.
2009
The idea is taking shape
After the house has stood undisturbed for over 50 years, we decide to give Gammgårn a new lease of life. This is where it all begins.
2010
The house is being moved
We’re lifting the whole house and moving it onto a new foundation. That way, we can bring it up to modern standards whilst retaining its historic character.
2012
The house is reopening
We are rebuilding the tiled stoves and letting the details return. Slowly but surely, Gammgårn is starting to feel like a home again.
7 July
2012
2012
The first guests
We’re welcoming our first guests for a wedding. That’s when we realise this could turn out to be more than just a renovation project.
21 July
2012
2012
Wallhalla is inaugurated
Together with family and friends, we are opening Wallhalla. Many people are dressed in period costume, and it feels as though the past and the present are coming together.
2013
The farm is growing
As more guests find their way here, we are building Sleep & Relax. The farm is gaining more places where you can stay and unwind.
2017
The Orangery and the gardens
We’re continuing to develop the garden. What we grow ends up on the dinner table later on, and becomes part of the experience here. The orangery has become a spot where we can look out over the vegetable patches even on rainy days, whilst the fire crackles in the stove.
2023
A new direction
We came up with a new idea. Karl and Mina’s farm was better suited to being a bed and breakfast, with more rooms and better facilities for guests. In autumn 2023, we made a big change and moved Wallhalla there, whilst we ourselves moved to Gammgårn.
Today
A vibrant place
Here we welcome guests and receive them in the house that is now Wallhalla.
Would you like to experience for yourself what it is like to live on the farm?
Send us a booking enquiry and we’ll get back to you with available dates.