[4][5] The monastery was initially constructed on directly on the lake of Nørresø, perhaps on a small island, hence the abbey's latin name: Insula Dei (lit.

In exchange, von der Wisch was to oversee the maintenance of the remaining monks at the abbey.

In 1539, the monastery was leant to Christoffer Johansen Lindenov, who was to maintain the property, but no mention of the monks was made in his lease.

[4] She was also required to compensate the crown for lands which had been sold off from the property and for the deterioration and demolition of some of the monastery's buildings which had occurred under her ownership.

[4][5] The crown maintained ownership of the property until 1568 when Frederick II sold it to Heinrich Rantzau for 55,000 rigsdaler.

The deed allowed Heinrich to establish an estate on the former abbey's grounds to be inherited by his male descendants.

[5] After accusing Queen Sophie Amalie of adultery, Kai Lykke was involved in a scandal in the 1660s which led to his conviction, exile, and the confiscation of all of his properties by the crown.

In 1664, Frederick III granted the estate to his court favourite, the German merchant and politician Christoffer Gabel.

Brigitte married into the Brahe family, and on 2 February 1672, she was made a baroness and the barony of Brahetrolleborg was formed from the former lands of Rantzauholm and the neighboring Brendegård property.

[4][5] On 28 December 1722, Frederick IV granted Brahetrolleborg to his brother-in-law, Christian Detlev Reventlow (1671–1738).

[5] It was then inherited by his son Johan Ludvig Reventlow, who introduced a new school system to the area and implemented forestry practices which made Brahetrolleborg famous.

It has two short octagonal towers, one at the south-east corner of the building and the other facing the interior courtyard.

[5] On 14 September 1888, a memorial obelisk was erected in honour of Johan Ludvig Reventlow in the property's garden.