Built in 1785–86 for the Admiral Superintendent of the Navy Yard, Fredric Henric af Chapman, his country residence was one of the most singular architectural creations produced in Sweden during the eighteenth century. The low main building is of wood, and was originally painted in red ochre and roofed in peat, with an entrance framed by a classical temple portico. This somewhat unlikely marriage of Swedish neo-classical and traditional rustic elements was designed by af Chapman himself together with his friend, the philosopher and artist, Admiral Carl August Ehrensvärd.

The house is situated in a beautifully landscaped “English” park. Both the neo-classical temple and the neo-gothic clock tower in the park are from the 1790’s. Skärva had its own small harbour from which Estate produce was sent for sale in the town.