History

Timeline

The story of Kaagjärve Manor stretches back nearly five centuries.

1541
First mentioned as Kawershof, named after its owners at the time, the von Kawer family.
1700s
After the Great Northern War, the manor belonged to the Golovin and Golitsyn families.
1801–1838
Both Karula and Kaagjärve manors belong to the von Brüggen family.
1838
Friedrich Moritz von Grote acquires the manor at auction.
1861
Nicolaus von Grote has Kaagjärve Manor House built.
1880s
The Alamõisa industrial complex is established, one of the largest and most advanced of its kind in Estonia. Its industries include a brewery, wool factory, sawmill, grain mill, timber cutting, brickworks and dairy.
1918
Heinrich von Grote's family leaves Estonia.
1924–2007
Kaagjärve School operates in the manor house. Its legendary headmaster Johannes Luckin is also an accomplished photographer.
2013
The former manor and school building passes into private ownership.
2019
The rose garden is established with the help of dedicated student work-camp participants.
2022
The restored tower opens to visitors.

The von Grote Family at Kawershof

After Brüggen’s death, the Karula and Kaagjärve manors were put up for auction. Friedrich Moritz von Grote acquired the manor in 1838. Together with his son Nicolaus, he established the Alamõisa industrial complex.

Their contribution to the region’s development was immense — the manor became an economic and cultural hub for the entire surrounding area.

Restored main building of Kaagjärve Manor

Alamõisa Industrial Complex

The Alamõisa industrial complex lies 2 km west of the Mäemõisa main building, along Kaagjärve creek. Also known as Kawershof Fabrik or Grotenhof, it was one of the largest and most advanced manor industries of its time in Estonia.