Rare Historic Waterfront Estate Featuring A Gallery, Sculpture Garden, And Private Shoreline.

Welcome to Jennestad Trading Post, a large historic waterfront estate with an exceptional coastal setting and significant potential for continued operation and future development. Located approximately 8 km northwest of the town centre of Sortland, the property comprises approximately 33,500 sqm of freehold land, featuring an extensive shoreline, a sheltered bay, landscaped gardens and park areas, natural surroundings, and several historic buildings.

Trade was conducted here as early as around 1830, and Jennestad was granted official trading post status in 1870. Under the ownership of Ødbert Johansen, Jennestad developed into an important regional hub for commerce, fisheries, agriculture, maritime traffic, and graphite production. The main residence was constructed in 1917–1918 and, in more recent years, has been operated as Galleri Jennestad, hosting exhibitions by notable artists including HM Queen Sonja of Norway, Pushwagner, Odd Nerdrum, Håkon Bleken, and Magne Furuholmen. The historic gardens and sculpture park further enhance the property’s unique character. The old wharf building and general store (Brygga and Krambua) are owned by the Municipality of Sortland and are therefore not included in the sale.

A living piece of Vesterålen’s history, combining cultural significance with a truly unique seaside location.

The history of Jennestad stretches back several centuries. Trading activity was established here as early as around 1830, and Jennestad was granted official trading post status in 1870. Under Ødbert Johansen, who acquired the trading rights in 1896, the settlement developed into an important regional hub for commerce, fisheries, agriculture, shipping, and graphite production. During its heyday, Jennestad was a genuine competitor to Sortland as Vesterålen’s principal commercial centre. The distinctive main residence was constructed around 1917–1918 and remains a prominent landmark from this prosperous period.

In more recent years, the estate has gained a new role as a venue for art and culture. The main house has been home to Galleri Jennestad, hosting exhibitions by a number of renowned Norwegian artists, including HM Queen Sonja of Norway, Pushwagner, Odd Nerdrum, Håkon Bleken, and Magne Furuholmen. The historic gardens have been restored based on original landscape plans, while the sculpture garden, featuring several bronze works, further enhances the property’s distinctive character. As such, the estate presents an exceptional opportunity for continued use in fields such as art, culture, representation, events, hospitality, accommodation, or tourism, subject to applicable planning and heritage regulations.

The historic waterfront warehouse (Brygga) and general store (Krambua), currently operated as a museum, form an important part of Jennestad’s cultural environment. However, they are owned by the Municipality of Sortland and are not included in the sale.

This is more than a property. It is a living piece of Vesterålen’s history, a place of character, heritage, and cultural significance that would be difficult to replicate.

Bronze sculptures in the Sculpture Garden:

Pan by Petter Hepsø (2006)
Grisehodetroller by Christine Aspelund (2007)
Kneet Frem I by Kristian Blystad (2008)
Klumphodet by Fredrik Raddum (2009)
Edvarda by Nina Sundbye (2010)
Violin Player by Nina Due (2011)
Trappetrinn (Steps) by Håkon Anton Fagerås (2012)

For further information about cultural events and the history of the property, please visit [hidden information]

Jennestad Trading Post enjoys a rare and atmospheric waterfront setting on Langøya in the Vesterålen archipelago, approximately 8 km northwest of the centre of Sortland. The estate is situated within an open Northern Norwegian coastal landscape, surrounded by sea, mountains, cultivated countryside, and peaceful rural surroundings. Its long history as a trading post remains clearly evident throughout the property, and together with the historic waterfront warehouse, the main residence, the landscaped gardens, and the remaining heritage buildings, Jennestad possesses a character and identity that extend far beyond the ordinary. The site is recognized by Museum Nord as one of the region’s historic trading posts, and the old general store within the wharf building remains open as a museum during the summer season.

Despite its tranquil and secluded atmosphere, the property is located just a short distance from urban amenities. Sortland serves as the regional centre and a key transportation hub in Vesterålen, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, cultural experiences, and public services. The town is also served by daily Hurtigruten coastal voyages and provides excellent connections throughout the region.

The immediate surroundings of Jennestad offer easy access to the sea, shoreline, forests, and outdoor recreation. Jennestad Kindergarten and Jennestad Montessori School are located nearby.

The location also provides an excellent base from which to explore the wider Vesterålen region, with its picturesque fishing villages, dramatic mountains, white-sand beaches, and traditional coastal communities all within easy reach. Here, one enjoys a unique combination of peace and natural beauty, direct access to the sea, and a rich cultural heritage, while the amenities and services of Sortland remain only a short drive away.

Jennestad offers ample parking facilities on the property itself.

The nearest airport is Skagen Airport, Stokmarknes, located approximately 40 minutes from the trading post. Harstad/Narvik Airport, Evenes is approximately 1.5 hours away by car. This travel time is expected to be significantly reduced upon completion of the Hålogaland Road Project (Hålogalandsveien).

Access is straightforward via Vesterålsveien (County Road 820), the main route north from Sortland towards destinations including Myre, with a dedicated turnoff leading directly to the trading post. Jennestad Trading Post is situated just off the main road and is clearly signposted.

Stokmarknes Airport, Skagen, can be reached in approximately 40 minutes by car from Jennestad. The drive between the airport and Sortland town centre takes approximately 20 minutes.

The property’s accessible location combines the tranquility of a historic coastal setting with convenient connections to regional transport links and services.

Please contact the agent for further information.