Villa Strandheim, Balestrand, Norway.

Leica Q2 Monochrom

Villa Strandheim is one of the biggest dragon-style villas in Balestrand. It is situated by the shore, where its owner Hans Dahl built a wharf, bathing hut and boathouse in the same style. The house came in pre-fabricated modules from Trondheim, which made it easier and quicker to erect.

Dahl was an officer and served in the Bergenske brigade until 1874. He then left to become an artist. He studied painting under J.F. Eckersberg and Knut Bergslien. He also studied in Karlsruhe and Dusseldorf, where he was taught by Hans Gude. Dahl lived in Germany from 1888 onwards, but travelled to Balestrand every summer to sketch the scenery of Western Norway. Dahl moved back to Balestrand in 1919.