Skolestua Dønnes

​

Dønnes Skole was built by local people giving their time and skills freely through "Dugnad". The local council took over the completed school where children started to attend when the old Snekkevik school closed in 1922.

Local children attended this school, many of whom still live on Dønna or have relatives here.

Built from wooden logs, the external walls are thick with traditional moss between the logs. This construction is hidden from sight by the cladding on the exterior. The roof was tiled with stone and there was a working chimney. Two small windows in the upper level of the building brought the  sunlight into the the sleeping quarters and what wonderful views to the North and South there were from way up there!

Dønnes Skole was closed in 19XX and children then travelled to attend school in Solfjelsjøen. Dønnes Skole was purchased by Tone Andersen and Jens Carlsen who started to renovate and look after this special building.  

Fiona and Ian Hulbert from Scotland, first came to Dønnes in 1993, when Ian was introduced to Jens Carlsen as part of his Royal Society of London Fellowship Studies.  Many, many visits followed and Dønnes captured and kept a piece of our hearts. 

In 2022, 100 years after the story of Dønnes Skole began Fiona and Ian Hulbert bought Skolestua from Tone and Jens and returned to this most special place.  We have continued to look after and renovate Skolestua. We are delighted to be able to let you experience Skolestua in your journeys and adventures. For you to visit and to feel the deep sense of community, to see the land that supported work and  life through generations and the richness of nature and culture that provides enough for us to be thankful. We hope a tiny bit of your heart is left here.