The history of Fossesholm Manor can be traced back to the Middle Ages. In 1541, the estate was acquired by nobleman Peder Hansen and became the center of his vast collection of properties along the Drammen River and Fjord. Aimed at large-scale sawmill production and export to the continent, the estate was among the first and largest of its kind in Norway.

The manor was expanded to a length of nearly 50 meters. Its style reflects the European classicistic architecture of its time but translated to the Norwegian material – wood. Representational and ceremonial rooms are placed in a row along the façade. Several rooms were decorated with hand-painted decorations or imported wall-hangings. The swedish-born painter Eric Gustaf Tunmarck decorated the salon with idealized scenes depicting life at the estate.