Originally serving as a humble cotter’s farm under the larger Østern estate in Bærum, Lille-Østern boasts a rich and varied local history. Over the years, the property changed hands multiple times, first being sold to Grini, before subsequently being acquired by the Norwegian Jockey Club and eventually the Bærum municipality. In more recent times, the site has been revitalized and repurposed as an active equestrian center operating under the name Østern Brug Ridesenter AS. Beyond its agricultural and equestrian roots, Lille-Østern also holds a charming place in Norwegian cinematic history. In the classic 1961 comedy film “Bussen,” directed by Arne Skouen, the main character Torvald, famously portrayed by Leif Juster, lived at the Lille-Østern farm. Furthermore, during the 1960s and 1970s, the picturesque surrounding areas of Eiksmarka, Fossum, and Lysakerelva were frequently utilized as natural outdoor filming locations for numerous Norwegian movies, cementing the area’s legacy in local culture.

