mangården

A mangården is a traditional Swedish farmstead layout. The term literally translates to "manor yard" or "owner's yard." The characteristic feature of a mangården is its U-shaped or L-shaped arrangement of buildings around a central courtyard. This courtyard typically serves as a workspace and a gathering area.

The main dwelling house, known as the "manstugan," usually faces the entrance to the courtyard and is often the most prominent building. Other buildings in the mangården typically include a barn, stables, a shed for tools and equipment, and sometimes a separate kitchen or bakehouse. These structures are strategically placed to facilitate farm operations and provide shelter from the elements.

The architectural style of mangården buildings varies regionally and historically, but they often feature wooden construction with pitched roofs. The layout was designed for efficiency, with easy access between the dwelling and work areas. In many cases, the courtyard was paved or covered with packed earth. While the functional aspects were primary, the arrangement also created a sense of enclosure and community within the farm. Over time, many traditional mangården farms have been modernized or repurposed, but the basic layout remains a significant element of Swedish rural heritage and architectural history.