Noble Families, Prosthetic Legs, and Love – Kellahden Kartano Has Thrived for Half a Millennium
The early history of Kellahden Kartano is shrouded in mystery, but its origins are known to date back to the 1500s.
The first known lord of the manor was cavalry master Otto von Grothusen, originally from Germany. In 1614, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden rewarded von Grothusen with 14 estates in Satakunta for his military successes, including Kellahden Kartano, where he and his family settled after managing the nearby Lyttylä Manor.
The estate was revoked in 1680, dividing the area into Rustholli and Säteri. The von Grothusen family retained Säteri, now Kellahden Kartano, where they had originally resided. By the mid-1700s, financial difficulties forced the family to sell the manor to a Swedish owner named Lindén.
The Avellan Dynasty: Over 200 Years of Stewardship
Lindén's ownership lasted only five years before the estate was sold to Carl Indebetou, a municipal treasurer in Pori. Half of the manor was inherited by Indebetou’s daughter, who married clergyman Mikael Avellan. He later acquired the other half, and their son Gustaf Avellan took over the estate, marking the beginning of the family’s long reign.
The Avellan family’s tenure saw many events: During the 1940s, the manor served as a convalescent home, treating around 100 soldiers returning from the Winter War. The family maintained ownership until 2012, when the last lord of the manor, Mikko Avellan, passed away, and the estate was quietly put up for sale.
Timo Prihti’s Cultural Contribution
In 2013, after six months of deliberation, industrial counselor Timo Prihti purchased the manor. He restored its buildings and furniture with great care and respect for history. Over the years, little was discarded, and Prihti uncovered numerous treasures worthy of restoration. The estate’s library contained works dating back to the 1700s. While primarily used privately, the manor also served as a corporate hospitality venue for Sampo-Rosenlew, hosting international guests.
Timo Prihti’s restoration efforts were invaluable, bringing the manor into modern times while honoring its craftsmanship. Since his passing, the estate has been managed by his son Jali Prihti through SR-Kiinteistöt Oy, which has leased the premises to us since 2021.
We are proud to offer everyone the chance to experience centuries of Satakunta history. Our work pays tribute to the manor’s remarkable story.