Count, Chamberlain, and Master of the Royal Hunt Michael Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille (1965-present) is the current owner of Egeskov. In 2019, he married Princess Alexandra (1970-present), and they now reside at the castle. Over more than 30 years of ownership, Michael has transformed Egeskov into a dynamic and visionary enterprise rooted in agriculture and tourism. With a strong commitment to preserving and sharing the castle’s unique cultural heritage, he has enhanced the visitor experience while driving the estate’s economic sustainability. Michael has received multiple honors, including "Fynbo of the Year" and the Svendborg Prize. In collaboration with head gardener Peter Bonde Poulsen, he has won numerous garden awards. In recent years, Alexandra has taken artistic responsibility for the gardens. Under Michael’s leadership, new exhibition halls have been built, and Egeskov’s annual calendar now features events such as a motorcycle rally, the Heartland Festival, Open By Night, a Christmas market, and LUMINIS. With a history spanning over 450 years, Egeskov stands today as a modern, family-run attraction set in one of Europe’s most beautiful surroundings.

Count Claus Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille (1932-2014) moved into Egeskov Castle after his parents' passing in 1985. He had already taken over parts of the estate in the 1960s, influencing its development through his ideas and vision for the Veteran Museum. In 1986, Claus opened sections of the castle to the public, significantly increasing tourism at Egeskov. The following year, the attic of the main building was restored, and Claus’ friendship with Piet Hein introduced artistic and playful elements into the gardens, such as the new labyrinth. Claus transferred ownership of Egeskov to his son Michael in 1992.

Count, Chamberlain, Master of the Royal Hunt, and Senior Hunting Consultant Gregers (1905-1985) was chairman of the Danish Hunting Council and spent his early years living at Fjællebro with his wife, Nonni (1909-1985). After his father’s death, the couple moved into Egeskov and had to rethink its operations. In 1960, they opened the castle gardens to the public and revitalized several garden spaces. The first steps toward establishing the Veteran Museum were taken in the late 1960s, spearheaded by their son Claus. The castle’s Great Hall was restored in 1974 and inaugurated the following year. Gregers was deeply engaged in Danish hunting culture and led expeditions to Africa throughout his life. Nonni was honored as "Fynbo of the Year" in 1982 and also received the Svendborg Prize. The couple passed away in 1985.

Count, Chamberlain, Master of the Royal Hunt, and Doctor of Philosophy Preben Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille (1880-1946) took over Egeskov in 1919 with his wife, Countess Eleonora (1880-1973), known as Dorthe. He inherited four estates, a herd of 800 cattle, a private dairy, and a power plant. However, times had changed, and with the abolition of entailed estates, life at Danish castles and manor houses became increasingly challenging. Parts of the estate’s inventory and land had to be sold off, and by the mid-1920s, Egeskov transitioned from an entailed estate to freehold property. Despite these financial pressures, the farm buildings were modernized in the 1930s and 1940s, including the installation of a new turbine at the lake, the reconstruction of the great barn, and the construction of new cattle sheds. Preben passed away in 1946, and his son took over the estate, while the widowed Countess Eleonora remained at the castle until her death in 1973.

Baroness and later Countess Jessie Bille-Brahe (1853-1927) became the sole heir to Egeskov in 1882. In 1875, she married Count, Master of the Royal Hunt, and Chamberlain Julius Ahlefeldt-Laurvig (1849-1912) of Tranekær. This union merged the two noble families into Ahlefeldt-Laurvig-Bille, with Julius assuming the count title from his Langeland estate. The couple continued the restoration of the castle, significantly altering its exterior with raised gables and bronze spires replacing the wooden-clad towers. Jessie and Julius expanded the estate, increased its agricultural holdings, and constructed new stables and barns.

Baron, chamberlain, and envoy Frantz Bille-Brahe (1824-1882) inherited Egeskov in 1871. During his time in Stockholm in the 1840s as a legation secretary, he met Camille (1829-1890). They married in 1850, embarking on an international career that involved diplomatic posts and embassies in The Hague, Brussels, Berlin, Rome, and Florence. During their time at Egeskov, the farm buildings in the castle courtyard were removed, and further interior renovations took place. In close collaboration with architect Helgo Zettervall, they constructed the neo-Gothic gate wing in 1881. Frantz passed away before Zettervall could commence work on the main building, leaving their daughter Jessie and her husband Julius to complete the renovations in the following years.

Baron, cavalry captain, and Privy Councillor Frederik Bille-Brahe (1799-1871) inherited Egeskov in 1857 and moved into the castle with his wife, Marie Sophie (1808-1887). By this time, the castle had remained unoccupied for several decades, and its interior showed significant neglect. The aging couple initiated extensive renovations, including restoring floors and ceilings, installing spiral staircases, and restructuring rooms. These efforts continued into the 1860s.

Count and Privy Councillor Preben Bille-Brahe (1773-1857) inherited Egeskov in 1789, though his mother, Caroline, retained it as a widow’s residence until 1810. In the meantime, Preben married Eleonora Rantzau (1779-1800) but never took up residence at Egeskov Castle. Instead, he managed the Brahesminde estate from Hvedholm and established Egeskov as an entailed estate for his second son, Frederik Siegfred. Although Preben merely leased out Egeskov’s farmland, he contributed to the estate’s agricultural modernization, introducing innovations such as the swing plow and grain cleaning machines in the early 19th century.

Privy Councillor, High Court Judge, and Governor Henrik Bille (1709-1789) purchased Egeskov late in life. The family was only permitted to bear the Bille-Brahe name in 1788 when the Brahe family of Funen bequeathed their land and estates to Henrik’s son, Axel Frederik. However, Axel died shortly after, and Henrik carried the name forward. By this time, he had already moved into the castle with his third wife, Caroline (1738-1810). The couple undertook restorations of parts of the castle’s furnishings and constructed the current entrance, which is decorated with their coat of arms and names. Henrik passed away in 1789, but Caroline, a lady-in-waiting and Dame de l’union parfaite, continued living at the castle until her death in 1810.

Councillor of State Sophie Krag (1707-1785) had outlived her husband and three children by 1763. She was compelled to sell portions of the family’s land and estate to cover the debts left behind by her eldest son. During her tenure, she established local hospitals in Kværndrup and Vester Skerninge, and the local inn is also attributed to her ownership period. In addition to the garden layout developed with her late husband, Niels, she added a trionfi, which remains in the garden today. She died in 1785, having sold Egeskov the previous year to Henrik Bille (later Bille-Brahe).

Supreme Court Assessor Frederik Christian Krag (1726-1763) inherited Egeskov after his father’s death in 1740. However, he did not take an active role in managing the estate, which was instead overseen by his mother, Sophie Krag. The young Frederik never settled at Egeskov, choosing instead to pursue a legal education and become part of the royal court in Copenhagen and later in Paris under Louis XV. He depleted much of the family’s fortune on his lifestyle, forcing his mother to buy and sell parts of the estate’s lands and properties to cover his expenses. Frederik died in Paris in 1763, leaving his mother, Sophie, as the sole owner of the castle.

Councillor of State Niels Krag "The Younger" (1690-1740) is one of the most significant owners of Egeskov. After inheriting the estate from his parents in 1722, he constructed numerous stone fences along the estate’s fields. Over the following decade, the castle garden underwent significant changes; a Baroque garden was established at the castle’s eastern dam, featuring a parterre garden, and a long avenue was planted perpendicular to it. Fountains, several pavilions, and the old labyrinth were also added. Many of the formal avenues and precisely structured areas with high, dense beech hedges remain preserved today.

Privy Councillor Niels Krag "The Elder" (1653-1713) inherited not only Egeskov but also Voldbjerg, Skjoldemose, Løjtved, and Flintholm, as well as the islands of Drejø and Avernakø. Through his marriage to Sophie Juel (1684-1722), daughter of Admiral Niels Juel and Margrethe Ulfeldt, Totterupholm was also added to his holdings. Niels Krag later became a privy councillor, Knight of the White Order, and bearer of the Dannebrog Order. A few years before his death in 1713, he was appointed finance deputy, during which time the first steps toward constructing the stone dam east of the castle were taken. This dam was later replaced by an iron suspension bridge.

Privy Councillor and Governor Otte Krag (1611-1666) purchased Egeskov from Oluf Parsberg in 1656. This included extensive lands and patronage rights over Kværndrup Church, along with several tenant farms and houses. Although Otte was deeply fond of Egeskov, he never resided at the castle. His duties as a privy councillor and diplomat tied him to the capital and required travels throughout the country. Otte Krag played a crucial role on Funen during the Karl Gustav Wars in the 1650s and later in the introduction of absolute monarchy. After Otte’s death, Egeskov became the widow’s residence for Anne (1619-1688), who lived at the castle for several years and expanded the estate with three additional church tithes.

Privy Councillor and Governor Oluf Parsberg (1590-1661) purchased Egeskov Castle in 1648 from his son-in-law, Laurids Ulfeldt. Oluf came from a distinguished Jutlandic noble family and was associated with Jernit, which later became Frijsenborg. Even before taking possession of the castle, he had begun acquiring nearby farms and lands in Egeskov village, as well as townhouses in surrounding areas. Oluf Parsberg marked a significant shift in ownership, as Egeskov was no longer held by the Ulfeldt or Brockenhuus families for the first time in over a century.

Laurids Ulfeldt (1605-1659) had acquired a significant portion of his brothers’ shares in the early 1630s and took full ownership of the castle. At that time, he was a lieutenant and married 14-year-old Sophie Rantzau, who passed away only four years later. Laurids then married Else Parsberg and pursued a career as a land commissioner on Funen. In 1648, he sold the castle to his father-in-law, Oluf Parsberg. Laurids is particularly known for his book collection, which, along with those of Joachim Gersdorff and P.L. Scavenius, formed the foundation of the Royal Danish Library.

After the death of their father, Jakob Ulfeldt, and the departure of their mother, Birgitte Brockenhuus, from Egeskov, the castle near Kværndrup was inherited by several of their sons, including the infamous Corfitz Ulfeldt. Laurids Ulfeldt quickly acquired his brothers' shares in the estate, soon becoming its sole owner.

Chancellor and diplomat Jakob Ulfeldt (1567-1630) purchased Egeskov in 1616, the childhood home of his wife, Birgitte Brockenhuus (1580-1656). At the same time, Jakob moved the Ulfeldt family burial site from Vindinge to Kværndrup Church, where the mausoleum remains today. He solidified Egeskov’s holdings while also leading a remarkable career as chancellor, war commissioner, and diplomat during the Thirty Years’ War. His tenure is among the most historically significant in the castle’s lineage.

In 1615, brothers Frands and Jakob Ulfeldt of Bavelse acquired Egeskov through an exchange with their uncle Hans Pogwisch. They only held the estate for a year, leaving little impact. In 1616, the castle passed to the family of Laurids Brockenhuus and Karen Skram’s third daughter, Birgitte.

Around 1615, Egeskov Castle underwent a rapid succession of ownership changes. First, Karen Brockenhuus (1580-1630) and her husband, Hans Pogwisch (1580-1630), inherited the castle. However, Karen passed away that same spring, and Hans exchanged Egeskov Castle for Kærstrup with Karen’s nephews, Jakob and Frands Ulfeldt of Bavelse. They were the sons of her older sister, Elisabeth Brockenhuus.

Governor Laurids Brockenhuus (1552-1604) inherited the castle after his father’s death in 1569. Two years later, he married Karen Skram (1544-1625), daughter of Admiral Peder Skram. Like his father, Laurids served as a chancellery secretary, participated in the Northern Seven Years' War, and became governor of Nyborg. However, he is primarily remembered for his severe treatment of his daughter Rigborg. He passed away in 1604, and the castle remained his wife Karen’s widow’s seat until 1615.

Marshal of the realm and governor Frands Brockenhuus (1518-1569) gained ownership of Egeskov in 1545 through his marriage to Anne Tinhuus (1525-1565). The acquisition marked the beginning of a series of land purchases in the surrounding area, establishing new boundaries. This led to an enormous construction project, culminating in the completion of the grand Renaissance building in 1554. Six years later, Frands secured patronage rights to Kværndrup Church, a privilege that remained with Egeskov’s owners until the mid-20th century. Frands died during the Northern Seven Years' War in his capacity as marshal of the realm.

Hilleborg and Laurids’ daughters chose to retain the family’s original name, now calling themselves Tinhuus. Over the following nine years, the estate was surveyed, and additional farms were incorporated into Egeskov’s holdings. In August 1545, Anne married the Funen governor Frands Brockenhuus, whose significant impact on Egeskov remains evident to this day.

Laurids Skinkel purchased Egeskovgaard in 1518. His family was originally named Tinhuus, making him part of the so-called false Skinkel lineage. By the time he acquired Egeskov, Laurids had already served as a governor for several years and, following the Count’s Feud, secured a place on the royal council. He initiated the acquisition of nearby farms in the local area, and by the time of his death in 1533, Egeskov’s estate had expanded considerably. After his wife’s death in 1535, Egeskovgaard passed to their daughters.

Poul Skinkel was not the son of the previous owner, Otte, and represents a different branch of the family. While the earlier owner’s coat of arms was characterized by three sea leaves, Poul belonged to the lily branch associated with Odense. Despite his short tenure, Poul expanded the estate significantly by adding six tenant farms. He later became governor of Hagenskov, a provisioning master on Funen, and was also noted in connection with Østrupgaard.

High court judge Otte Skinkel was the son of the previous owner of Egeskovgaard, Johan. Otte played a significant role on Funen as a judge and a member of the regional court. In 1516, he succeeded in defining the district boundaries between Gudme, Salling, and Sunds. He is also mentioned in 1519 in a land survey alongside the future owner of Egeskov, Laurids Skinkel. Since Otte had no children, Egeskov passed to another branch of the Skinkel family, through his sister’s grandchild.

Johan Skinkel took over Egeskovgaard (farm) after his father, although he is only first mentioned in connection with Egeskov in 1453. He successfully acquired the nearby estate of Fjællebro and obtained legal possession of it in 1480. Fjællebro later left Egeskov’s holdings but was re-integrated into the estate in the 20th century. Johan’s further influence on Egeskov’s estate remains unknown.

Privateer captain Lydeke Skinkel is the first documented owner of Egeskov, mentioned in relation to Egeskovgaard (Farm) in 1405. As indicated by its name, Egeskov was merely a large farm at that time. In the preceding decades, Lydeke was notorious as a privateer and played an intergovernmental role in Queen Margrethe I’s conflict with the German Hanseatic cities. He was among the seafarers who plundered German merchant and cargo ships in Danish waters on their way to and from the Scania market. Lydeke was last documented as the owner of Egeskov in 1412, with no further records found after this date.