Originally owned by the Bishop of Roskilde, it is considered one of the most well-preserved examples of Gothic secular architecture in Denmark.

He had made a fortune as a supercargo on ships owned by the Danish Asiatic Company.

He also constructed the Lindencrone Mansion at the corner of Sankt Annæ Plads and Bredgade in Copenhagen.

The building materials are a combination of local limestone from the Cliffs of Stevns and large bricks (Danish "monk stones").

Access to the main building was originally through the cellar from an entrance below the bishop's chapel which was located on the east side of the southern cross arm.

From the vaulted cellar below the tower, a flight of stairs led to the domed hall in its ground floor.

The chapel was demolished and the entrance moved to the eastern cross arm which was also given a new facade and an internal staircase in the Baroque style.