Innhus

Innhus is a historical term found in Norwegian and Swedish sources describing a secondary dwelling within a farmstead or a small lodging building associated with an estate or roadside inn. It appears in archival records, inventories, and architectural surveys dating from the 17th to the 19th century. Innhus is not widely used in modern vernacular, and its precise meaning varied by region and era.

Etymology and scope: the word derives from inn- or inner- plus hus, meaning “inside house” or “inner house” in Scandinavian languages, and it is often contrasted with other farm buildings such as uthus (outbuilding) or huvudhus (main house).

Usage and function: in historical contexts, innhus referred to a small dwelling within a farm complex used to house farm workers or servants, and occasionally to accommodate visiting guests or travelers associated with the property. In some cases it served as temporary accommodation during harvests or road transport.

Architecture and layout: innhus buildings were typically timber-framed, modest in size, and arranged near the main house or connected to the courtyard. They often had simple plans, a single or two rooms, and limited interior amenities relative to the main dwelling.

Heritage and study: today, innhus is chiefly of interest to scholars of rural architecture and historical geography. Surviving examples are sometimes preserved as listed buildings or documented in rural heritage schemes, while others have been repurposed or demolished.