The foundation was laid in the late summer of 1928. In the spring of 1929, more
than 200 highly skilled workmen were bought to Emerald Bay and housed in temporary
barracks on the property. They worked diligently throughout the summer and by
the end of the season the house was completed. During those months of 1929,
the timbers were hand hewn, the interior wall boards were hand planed, intricate
wood carvings were executed, and metal fixtures (such as fireplace screens,
hinges, and latches) were hand forged - all at the site.
Outstanding features
of the exterior of Vikingsholm include round granite boulders embedded in mortar
typical of stone churches and castles built in the 11th century in Southern
Sweden; massive hand hewn timbers characteristics of those used by the early
Norsemen; carvings around the doors adapted from carvings that bordered old
church entrances; carvings extending along roof ridges with dragon heads crossing
at the roof peaks and a sod roof seeded with wildflowers. The interior of the house
also carries out the Scandinavian motif, such as:
delicate paintings on ceilings and walls, Nordic fireplaces located throughout
the home, and two intricately carved "dragon" beams, modeled on beams that hung
originally in very old Viking castles, hanging from the ceiling in the living
room. Furnishings were carefully chosen by Mrs. Knight to enhance and carry
out the Scandinavian theme. "Selma" the clock, one of the most striking pieces
stands in the entry hall. Many antiques were purchased for the home in the Scandinavian
countries. Some pieces which Mrs. Knight greatly admired were in museums in
Norway and Sweden and not available for purchase. When she encountered such
problems, she hired craftsmen to copy the museum pieces. The pieces were reproduced
to exact detail, even to the aging of the wood and duplicating of scratches
on the originals. The brightly painted bridal table, which stands in the living
room, is representative of the quality of these outstanding reproductions.
