History unfolds
Iceland’s oldest fishing lodge
Nestled overlooking the Langá River and estuary in Mýrar in Borgarfjörður, Enska húsið, a living testament to history, unfolds an intriguing story. Constructed in 1884 on the Langárfoss land, this humble architectural gem has exchanged hands over the years, with each custodian adding their own chapter to its rich narrative.
In the early 1900s, a Scottish nobleman briefly held the keys to this abode before passing it on to an esteemed English lady, Walerina Kennard, just over two decades later. The acquisition not only secured the residence but also bestowed upon Mrs. Kennard exclusive fishing rights in the Langá River, setting the stage for a summer retreat of sophistication far beyond what the local community was accustomed to.
Embracing the delicate art of fishing, Mrs. Kennard, accompanied by her daughters, transformed the estate into a haven of understated elegance. The addition of a charming sitting room in 1927 became the crowning touch, offering a serene space overlooking the flowing river, the estuary and the vast Atlantic ocean beyond.
Known as the Lady of Langá, Mrs. Kennard became a revered figure in the region, her influence resonating with the locals. The moniker "Enska húsið" (English House) emerged during this era, encapsulating the hunting lodge and its annexes in a harmonious blend of English sophistication and Icelandic modesty.
Post-World War II, Mrs. Kennard chose a different path, leaving behind the hunting lodges that had witnessed decades of refined pursuits. In a gesture of legacy, she entrusted the properties, along with the exclusive fishing rights in Langá, to her representative in Iceland, the distinguished Reykjavík merchant Geir Zoega.
For those seeking an escape into the realms of history, nature, and the epitome of refined living, the English House stands as a testament to a bygone era of elegance along the mesmerising Langá River.
