The Höfði building in Reykjavík was closed to the public this summer because revenue generated by the 500 ISK entrance fee did not cover operating costs.
The house was built in 1909 for French consul Jean-Paul Brillouin. It later became the home of beloved poet and businessman, Einar Benediktsson. It was also where presidents Ronald Reagan of the USA and Mikhail Gorbachev of the USSR met in 1986 in an attempt to end the Cold War.
According to the National Broadcasting Service visitors were unwilling to pay the 500 ISK entrance fee (3 Euros/4 USD) needed to cover operation expenses, including staff wages and maintenance. Therefore, the city council decided to close the building to the public at the beginning of this summer.
There are numerous legends and myths surrounding the Höfði building; Some claim the house is haunted by the spirit of a young woman. Ambassador John Greenway, who resided there in 1952, insisted it be sold and the British consulate move elsewhere because of strange things that went bump in the night. Others believe the spot tis an ancient Viking burial site which explains why the house’s liquor cabinet is frequently emptied at night.
The Höfði building in Reykjavík was closed to the public this summer because revenue generated by the 500 ISK entrance fee did not cover operating costs.
The house was built in 1909 for French consul Jean-Paul Brillouin. It later became the home of beloved poet and businessman, Einar Benediktsson. It was also where presidents Ronald Reagan of the USA and Mikhail Gorbachev of the USSR met in 1986 in an attempt to end the Cold War.
According to the National Broadcasting Service visitors were unwilling to pay the 500 ISK entrance fee (3 Euros/4 USD) needed to cover operation expenses, including staff wages and maintenance. Therefore, the city council decided to close the building to the public at the beginning of this summer.
There are numerous legends and myths surrounding the Höfði building; Some claim the house is haunted by the spirit of a young woman. Ambassador John Greenway, who resided there in 1952, insisted it be sold and the British consulate move elsewhere because of strange things that went bump in the night. Others believe the spot tis an ancient Viking burial site which explains why the house’s liquor cabinet is frequently emptied at night.
