History

The hotel and restaurant Engø Gård started life as a country inn called Pihls Pensjonat. One of Tjøme’s many summer inns whose heyday was the period up to the late 1950s, Pihls Pensjonat was run by several unique personalities, first by Frithjof Pihl and his sister Daisy, then by Frithjof  and his second (English) wife Dorothy (“Babs”), whose interesting, strong and distinctive personality certainly left its mark on Engø. Dorothy, a knowledgeable, imaginative, strong-minded and authoritative individual, had an unmistakable “British” style and presence that gave the inn a distinct English feeling. And since Dorothy quickly began to “screen” her guests, the fortunate few considered it a privilege to be granted access and the inn became a special meeting place with a special atmosphere. Another thing that set the original inn apart from other inns was the respect shown for the private life of individuals. Famous and prominent personalities from Norwegian society and abroad were able to holiday peacefully and without interruption at Engø, shielded from the general public by a civilized discretion.

The country inn began in all modesty to accept guests in the mid-1920s. The hotel closed during the Second World War but reopened afterwards and it remained open until the 1960s. Subsequently, the property served for many years as a summer residence for its owners. Acquired in 1983 by Nina Felling and Harald Andersen, Engø Gård was reopened in the summer of 2000 following a comprehensive process of restoration and upgrading.

Engø’s old charm was retained and no changes were made to the yard, which has remained unmodified since Frithjof Pihl framed it with the Spisestuebygning [Dining Room building] and Drengestuene [The Farmhands’ Rooms] in the 1920s. The distinctive features of the original buildings have also been retained, by focusing on low buildings and by showing keen attention to exterior details both on the buildings and the outdoor facilities. Guests who return to the “new” Engø Gård immediately feel at home here, in spite of all the changes.
The remaining signs of Pihls Pensjonat give the country inn an unmistakable style and an atmosphere of elegant nostalgia.

In 2009 Engø Gård became a proud member of De Historiske - historic hotels & restaurants - a unique membership organisation containing many of Norway’s most charming hotels and restaurants. The group consists of 39 hotels and 18 restaurants which are members of the group.

A very definite perception of the responsibilities of the proprietor is required to qualify, with the relating of history forming the setting for the guests’ own overnight stay and gastronomic experience.

The organisations aim is to use the past as a backdrop for our guests, to enable them to create their own history based on experiences. It is our hope that these narrations may continue to live in the memories of our guests long after their return home.

Although the members of De Historiske each have their own distinctive characters, you will find that they have features in common: a warm welcome, good service, a friendly atmosphere and high quality in every respect. The quality standards that the group has in common ensure a generally high standard in the group, and our values of "hospitable", "personal" and "quality conscious" shall aid us in achieving our shared vision: we want visitors to find us "a good place to be".

Delicious meals and vintage wines, beautiful art and culture, design and decor based on deeply-rooted tradition and history, elegance, exciting tales, a romantic atmosphere and much more can be experienced without leaving the hotels. Golf, sleigh rides, ski trails, fjords, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain tops, museums, shopping, horse riding, walking tours and many other activities are there to tempt you right outside your door. We offer far more than just a comfortable hotel bed and a tasty meal: the members represent a wealth of experiences, for both the body and the soul.

Welcome to "A good place to be" - where your history is created

Les Grandes Tables du Monde - Tradition & Qualité
In December 2007, Engø Gård Hotel & Restaurant on the island of Tjøme in Norway was accepted as a member of the French organisation Traditions & Qualité. Engø Gård is the second restaurant in Norway to pride itself on such exclusive membership. Bagatelle in Oslo has been a member since 1990 and its owner Eyvind Hellstrøm encouraged the owners of Engø Gård to apply for membership. The main criteria for membership are high quality service, an inspiring atmosphere and the fact that the restaurant has existed for some time.
The organisation Traditions & Qualité was founded in 1954 by a handful of restaurants in France. Their intention was to found a collection of professional quality restaurants around the world, with each member offering the highest standard of quality cuisine and exquisite hospitality. The organisation is a collection of the world’s best restaurants and a source of inspiration for chefs the world over.