The settlements in the old Karlsøy parish were spread over four islands and the distance to the church could be quite considerable. Adding to that, the weather was often unpredictable. Hence many families, particularly from the larger farms, would build their own lodgings close to their church. This was quite a common practice in Northern Norway.
The old parish church still stands at Karlsøy, and going back as long as to the first half of the 18th century there have been "kirkestuer" on the common land along the beach. Kvitnesstua is the last one to maintain its original features. It was used as a "kirkestue" for nearly a hundred years until 1922. It was then a house and the occupiers leased the land. The current owner took over in 1962 and has since repaired the building and uses it as a holiday home.