Råda Säteri

Råda Säteri is a unique 18th century estate with well-preserved manor buildings and a lovely garden. The manor and its natural surroundings are moreover owned by the municipality, so in other words you are free to wander round and have a seat wherever you like. We’d like to welcome you to come for an outing to Råda Säteri, a place where the past and the present meet!

History

Råda Säteri is a well-preserved estate of both cultural and historical interest. Its fluctuating and sometimes dramatic history probably begins in the 14th century. The border of Halland, which until 1658 was Danish, was very close to the parish of Råda. The area was ravaged by frequent battles and looting, and the buildings at Råda Säteri were burned down twice. The present manor was built in 1772 by Martin Törngren, director of the Swedish East India Company. The Caroline Baroque style was popular in Sweden then, which was characterised by a manor house flanked by wings and a central axis marked by a long, straight avenue. The gardens, avenue and park were considered to be as important as the buildings. A lot of these features are still found at Råda Säteri.

We know more about the manor’s owners from the second half of the 18th century and onwards. Many of them held important posts in the service of the state, or were successful industrialists or merchants. Members of well known families like the Ulfsparres, Hamiltons, Törngrens, von Schwerins, von Essens, Lagerbergs and Ekmans have resided at Råda. Since 1970 the estate has been owned by the municipality of Härryda. The manor was given listed status in 1969 and is subject to specific heritage protection legislation.

The Manor House – anno 1772

The existing manor house was built for Martin Törngren, director of the Swedish East India Company. Törngren was married to one Sara Chambers, whose brother Sir William Chambers was a successful architect. Although no original drawings have been found it’s reasonable to believe that it was in fact William Chambers who designed the present manor. In 1772 the building stood ready, 24 metres long and 11 metres wide. And as guests could potentially arrive either by road or by water, each long side of the manor was given a stately entrance.

Many more or less well known people have stayed at Råda Säteri, including the Nobel Prize winner Albert Einstein. Some of the guests have left their signature in the mansion’s special ’guest book’ – they have etched their name and greeting in three windows on the upper floor of the building.

The garden

The terrace beds, the large green spaces and the flourishing kitchen garden are these days all open for visitors to enjoy. Come and play, breathe in the delicious scent of the herbs and flowers, and see how industrious the bees are in the show hive in the kitchen garden.

Råda Säteri has had thriving grounds as far back as we know – important for the estate’s owners, in different ways and different times.

The garden at Råda Säteri

The nature reserve

Råda Säteri’s beautiful surroundings are a nature reserve, which stretches all the way round Lake Rådasjön, bordering on the west side the estate surrounding Gunnebo House. There’s also a walking trail going right round the lake, Rådasjön Runt – a lovely 12 kilometre long circular. You’re welcome to move around freely in the area and enjoy the nature, respecting the codes of conduct that apply in nature reserves.

The Rådasjön nature reserve External link, opens in new window.

Businesses at Råda Säteri

Råda Säteri hosts the following businesses:

• Råda Säteri Trädgårdscafé
• Crêpe et Ciel
• Restaurant LOKAL
• Blomsterbacken PYO flower and vegetable farm
  
• Tesällskapet External link.
• Riding school Råda ridklubb External link.
• Friluftsfrämjandet External link. (non-profit organisation for outdoor activities)
• Fishing club Råda sportfiskeklubb External link.
• Mölnlycke beekeepers' association External link.
  

Råda Säteri – part of the municipality of Härryda

The municipality owns and manages Råda Säteri, as a destination for both local residents and other visitors. Read more about the municipality’s development of Råda Säteri on harryda.se/radasateri External link, opens in new window..

Råda Säteri is a fantastic place to get married! But it is also a public place. Just now we aren’t able to accept any enquiries about weddings in the park, but keep an eye on this page for more information if you are planning to get married in 2025. We are working towards a solution.

Hållbarhetsklivet – Stepping up Sustainability

The municipality of Härryda joined Stepping up Sustainability, an initiative for sustainable tourism, in spring 2024. Stepping up Sustainability’s aim is to create economically viable businesses, and tourism with a minimal environmental impact. Our participation requires the municipality of Härryda to observe four basic principles when working to develop hospitality and tourism.

The four basic principles of Stepping up Sustainability:

• Minimise unnecessary environmental impact
• Benefit both residents and visitors
• Increase visitors outside busy periods
• Create more full time jobs and robust businesses

Read more about Stepping up Sustainability here External link, opens in new window.

Contact

The municipality of Härryda’s contact centre can answer general questions about Råda Säteri. For questions about specific businesses please contact the respective business. See the list above.

Contact Centre, The Municipality of Härryda: +46 (0)31-724 61 00, kommun@harryda.se