From Feud to Idyl
Jerstrup is a beautiful half-timbered manor house with moats and a medieval granite bridge spanning the moat. Jerstrup is first mentioned in 1328 under the name Jærpælstorp. In the 16th century, the manor was owned by Jørgen Henningsen Qvitzow, who also held the North Funen manor of Rugård as collateral for the Crown.
Jerstrup must have endured quite a bit, as Jørgen Quitzow sued the citizens of Odense for the damage they had inflicted on his manors during the Count's Feud from 1534-1536, during which he was captured by Count Christoffer's men. However, the king won against the count, and Jørgen Quitzow, as a loyal supporter of the king, later held important positions as a member of the Privy Council and Chancellor of the Realm under Christian III (1503-59).
The Owners of Jerstrup Through Time
Jørgen Quitzow's family owned the manor until 1647, and the estate had many changing owners. In 1647, the nobleman Helmuth Otto von Winterfeldt acquired the deed to Jerstrup, which he renamed Lenelyst after marrying his new wife, Helene Juliane Ulfsparre.
Jerstrup acquired more and more land and became a large manor under various owners until Constance Frederikke Henriette Bernstorff from Gyldensteen estate bought the manor and incorporated it into the County of Gyldensteen in 1804. The manor house itself belonged to Harridslevgaard Castle for some years but later became independent.
Jerstrup Today
The current building dates from 1719 and is a three-winged half-timbered structure. In 1944 and again in 1952-53, the building underwent extensive renovation by architect H. G. Skovgaard. The building was also thoroughly restored in 2007-09.
The manor house is used for conference and banqueting facilities and for holidays for large groups and families. Today, the manor is privately owned by businessman Christian Stadil. There are old trees around the moat, a forest, and year-round ancient native flowers in the nature surrounding the farm. In spring, there are many beautiful spring flowers.
Jerstrup Manor can be seen from the road.
