Casa Grend is family-owned by an African-Scandinavian mother and son duo. The two creative entrepreneurs have a passion for music and travel and this has taken them to over 40 countries around the world. They have extensive experience both from the music industry and hospitality in Norway and abroad.
Elisabeth has worked with PR for international artists/comedians for two decades but for the last ten years, she has focused on the role of a manager for a family hotel close to the famous hiking destination Pulpit Rock. Benjamin aka Benocchio is a renowned music producer and DJ based in Oslo who has worked with artists such as Arif, Dutty Dior, Tyr, Adrian Sellevoll and Oscar Blesson. He is also one of the founders of the popular club concept SUIEVERSE.
Mamanocchio (which is the son's nickname for his mother) was roaming the internet for years looking for a unique building where they could combine their passions, hospitality and music. In January of 2024, she received an email where some friends in Bergen showed her an ad for an old village assembly house from 1928 on an apple farm in beautiful Hardanger. It was exactly what they were looking for. They took it upon themselves to keep the heritage alive by renovating it into a true melting pot of upcycling, culture and hospitality. The development of Casa Grend began in April 2024 and within only six months, the property was brought back to life again. With the help of old and new friends, neighbours, family, and artists - and after an unhealthy amount of hours of treasure hunting all over Hardanger, painting, building beds and decorating - they were ready to open in the fall of 2024. The old village assembly "Fykse Grendehus" as it was called, was reborn as Casa Grend. A house dedicated to culture and hospitality for both tourists and locals seeking adventure in Hardanger.
You can follow our renovation here.