Luxury villa in Esbjerg donated to university as researcher guesthouse

A 40-million-kroner seaside villa in Esbjerg has been gifted to the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) to serve as accommodation for visiting researchers, DR reports.

The 450-square-metre property, known as Langlihus, was originally built in 1999 by late businessman Henning G. Kruse, a key figure in establishing Esbjerg as Denmark’s leading offshore hub. Located on Sædding Strandvej with views of the Wadden Sea and near the iconic Man Meets the Sea sculpture, the villa was initially listed for sale but withdrawn last spring.

Instead, the Henning G. Kruses Fond foundation donated the property to SDU. Kruse’s daughter, Marianne Kolenda Kruse, director of the foundation, said the house held deep significance for her father.

“Langlihus was never just a home for him—it was a place for ideas, meetings, and opportunities to grow,” she said. “He believed in long-term investment and collaboration to drive development.”

The university will use the villa as a guesthouse for international researchers and as a venue for seminars. SDU Rector Jens Ringsmose called the donation “an extraordinary expression of trust” in the university’s regional role.

“We will ensure this unique setting creates value for Esbjerg and the surrounding area,” Ringsmose said.