Engø – a break from the stress

If you’re looking for a little break from everyday life, a visit to the beautiful hotel Engø on the island of Tjøme is just what you need.

As you approach, a sense of tranquility washes over you. Driving down the narrow, winding road lined with trees and fields, the sight of the majestic gate signals that your shoulders have already relaxed to their normal level, even before you’ve checked in.

The hustle and bustle of the city feel far away as you stroll along the cobblestone path, weaving through the many quaint buildings that make up the cozy farmyard.

To the left, what appears to be a large English style greenhouse catches your eye. Instead of exotic flowers and trees, you’ll find a spacious swimming pool complete with a hot tub and sauna. Straight ahead stands the main farmhouse, stately and white, with french doors opening onto the garden.

The reception area at Engø Farm is located in the yellow house, just behind and to the right. Stepping inside feels like coming home, with a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to wipe your feet before entering. Engø is part of the De Historiske Hotel og Spisesteder chain, a mark of quality and a great guide if you appreciate old houses and history. You can read more about my visits to some of the other hotels like Losby, Walaker, Utne, and Britannia (once you’ve finished this article!).

Spacious Room with a Touch of Charm

We stayed in the Sukkertopp room, located just up the stairs from the reception. It felt like another home away from home, with no long hotel corridors or elevators, just a carpeted staircase leading up to the cozy attic.

The room is spacious and bright, featuring beige wool carpets and two comfortable armchairs at the foot of the large bed. The bathroom is generously sized, big enough for a whole family.

Maybe you can even fit the whole family in the tub. It’s quite the luxury with so much space.

Cozy Afternoon In

Despite the lovely weather, my friend and I decided to enjoy the Friday afternoon in our hotel room with some bubbles and snacks. It was a delightful way to unwind after a long workweek, made even better by a thoughtful surprise from the hotel’s sales manager, whom I had met the day before.

After indulging with sparkling wine and chocolate, we changed into our swimsuits, donned the hotel’s robes and slippers, and made our way across the lawn to the orangery.

The orangery, with its swimming pool, is a gem that lights up the garden at Engø Farm. This beautiful structure blends seamlessly with the farm’s English-inspired history, creating the illusion of swimming under the open sky. In the summer, the doors can be opened to the lawn and terrace, providing ample space for sun loungers.

After a few laps in the pool and a soak in the hot tub, we had worked up just enough of an appetite for dinner.

Dining in the Barn

We had reserved a table for a four-course dinner served in the barn. The idyllic setting, complete with a moss-covered path and a large lantern, glowed invitingly in the autumn twilight. The barn has been tastefully renovated, with additional windows that let in plenty of light.

As we entered, the warmth enveloped us. Downstairs, a wedding reception was in full swing, while we were shown to our table upstairs. The second floor was bustling with guests, including another wedding party, couples, and small groups enjoying corporate events. Engø Farm is an excellent choice for company gatherings, offering a secluded atmosphere where employees can relax without the temptation to venture into the city.

Accessible Escape

While it might sound remote, Engø Farm is just a two-hour drive from Oslo and only a half-hour from Tønsberg city center or train station. Even on a Friday, the journey is quite manageable (though we did leave town a couple of hours early to avoid the rush-hour traffic leaving the capital).

We enjoyed a delightful dinner featuring the most tender reindeer meat I’ve ever tasted, paired with tart lingonberries and cranberries, and perfectly balanced with creamy gnocchi. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo of the dish—it was that good!

The appetizer of scallops and lobster marinated in orange juice was also exquisite, though I was less enthusiastic about the deep-fried Brussels sprouts. The dessert, however, was a showstopper with apple ice cream and Sachertorte.

After the meal, we retreated to our cozy room and slept soundly in the comfortable beds.

A Charming History

Engø Farm, as the name suggests, is an old farm with a courtyard surrounded by several small buildings. On the hotel’s website, we can read more about its history.

The precursor to today’s hotel was Pihls Pensjonat, one of Tjøme’s many summer boarding houses. Frithjof Pihl and his sister Daisy started the boarding house at Engø in 1924. Daisy managed the summer guests and rentals, while Frithjof ran the farm.

In 1935, Englishwoman Dorothy Grace Babington visited the farm and fell in love with both the place and Frithjof. They married the following year, and Dorothy gave the boarding house an English touch that can still be seen today, particularly in the orangery.

The boarding house started modestly with a few guests in the mid-1920s and continued operating until the 1960s.

In 1983, Nina Felling Andersen and Harald Andersen took over the farm, reopening it as today’s Engø Farm in the summer of 2000 after extensive restoration and modernization.

The authentic charm of the farmyard has been preserved, with the original character of the buildings maintained.

There are no flashy new structures; even the newer additions blend seamlessly with the old, creating a unique environment that makes you feel far removed from the outside world.

Morning Stroll

The next morning, we were a bit indecisive about our plans but ended up starting the day with a swim in the pool. We forgot to turn on the sauna before our swim, and since it takes about 20 minutes to heat up, we settled for swimming and the hot tub. Afterward, we returned to our room to get ready for breakfast.

The warm autumn weather allowed us to enjoy breakfast on the first floor of the barn, with a lovely view of the water. The spread included delicious bread, various toppings, an chef making all things egg related, and tasty pastries to finish off the meal.

Exploring the Area

After checking out and packing our things, we took a stroll on the Daisy Trail, which starts just outside the hotel and leads down to the sea on the north side.

Engø Farm has a pier and a small boathouse that can accommodate about 20 people, perfect for a group outing or a relaxing drink.

We continued our walk, taking a slight detour but enjoying the warm autumn weather. Eventually, we found our way back to Engø Farm. The sea was too inviting to resist, so we checked out the pier we had seen from the breakfast room.

The perfect summer spot, but all year charm

The large grassy fields must be perfect for a summer outing, to play ball or just relax.

We were not tempted to hop in, but we met a brave young woman who claimed the water was max 10 degrees celsius.

We were told that we could have used the pool even after checking out, but duty called, and we had to head home.

As we drove away, we cast a longing glance back at the main house, the reception building, the barn, and, of course, the orangery with its swimming pool.

I would love to return to Engø, and I think you should too, whether with a partner, friends, or colleagues.

Please follow me on my travels. On Instagram or on Facebook.