manstugan

Manstugan, also known as "manstuga" or "manhus," is a Swedish term that historically referred to a small cottage or dwelling specifically built for a man or a group of men. These structures were often found on larger farms or estates and served a variety of practical purposes. In agricultural contexts, a manstugan might have been used by farm laborers, often unmarried men, to live in, separate from the main farmhouse. It could also have served as a workshop or storage space for tools and equipment.

The design of a manstugan was typically simple, reflecting its utilitarian function. They were usually one-room structures, sometimes with a small loft for sleeping. Materials used would have varied depending on local availability, often consisting of wood or stone. The term implies a functional, no-frills living or working space, distinct from the family residence. While the specific use and prevalence of manstugan varied across different regions and time periods in Sweden, the core concept remained consistent: a dedicated structure for male workers or individuals. Today, the term is largely historical, with few original manstugan structures remaining.