Women’s Home
A White Chapter in Keller’s History
The Women’s Home was built as part of the so-called “white section” – characterised by whitewashed buildings with red roofs, which can still be seen in the area today. In August 1900, the building was ready to accommodate 60 women who, according to the standards of the time, were considered capable of work but in need of a structured life under supervision and care.
The institution’s founder, Christian Keller, worked according to the “open-door principle” – a philosophy in which buildings were placed at a distance from one another and surrounded by green spaces. This created a sense of freedom within an otherwise controlled daily life. The Women’s Home and the men’s departments were separated, but each residence was surrounded by either garden or parkland – nature was seen as an integral part of treatment and well-being.
In 1917, the area was expanded with the so-called Knitting Home – a residence for women who were unable to manage physically demanding work. It accommodated 25 women, who could engage in lighter tasks such as knitting, mending, or other handicrafts, providing both calm and rhythm to everyday life.
Today, the building houses Brejning Efterskole – a vibrant and youthful place that has brought new life to the historic walls, filled with laughter, music, and a sense of joy.
