Jens Kraft Dinesen (1768-1827) was born in Roskilde on January 29, 1768. His father passed away in 1785, and his mother raised him to take over Gyldenholm Estate. Jens assumed control of Gyldenholm on May 19, 1793, for 100,000 rigsdaler. He married Johanne Ulrica Birgitte Christine Gøring (1774-1829), and they had eight children—four sons and four daughters. Their firstborn son, Anders Didrich, lived only 14 months, and their third child, Severine Dorothea Marie, died at age 13. Among the six children who survived childhood were the twins Magnus and Hanne Emilie. Jens, concerned that his wife might die in childbirth, drafted a will to ensure that Gyldenholm Estate remained in the Dinesen family.

In 1800, Jens sold Gyldenholm Estate and purchased Kragerup Estate in 1801, becoming the first Dinesen of Kragerup. He transformed the old manor into the neoclassical estate complex that exists today. He built a new main building to the west, creating an open and outward-looking estate layout. The new complex mirrored the previous manor house layout. Jens Kraft Dinesen's son, Anders Didrich Dinesen, succeeded him at Kragerup Estate.

Jens was appointed a judicial counselor (Justitsråd) on April 21, 1812. He passed away at Kragerup Estate on August 29, 1827. His wife announced his death with the following words:

"To inform distant relatives and friends with deepest sorrow that my dearly beloved husband, Justitsråd Jens Kraft Dinesen, departed this earthly life after several years of illness on Wednesday, the 29th of this month. Four children welcome him in eternity, and six mourn with me the loss of the beloved, righteous father."