When the initial pleasure palace for King Frederick IV was finished in 1726, it was a modest building of one-and-a-half stories. His successor, King Christian VI, initiated a significant expansion in 1741 that would stretch through the reigns of two more Danish kings. By 1770, it had evolved into an elaborate, octagonal-shaped complex complete with riding stables and a huge garden. It became a favorite venue for monarchs to spend their holidays plus their spring and summer months.