An Idyllic 18th-Century Swedish Farm Summer Oasis

Sun, sun, sun, sea and swimming. Sorry for waxing lyrical about summer on the blog lately, but we've waited so long for it and now it's finally here! With that in mind, I hope you don't mind me sharing another dreamy Swedish summer house.

Today we're heading to Lilla Nävesta in south-east Sweden, where this charming farm (currently for sale via Historiska Hem) feels as though it's been lifted straight from an Astrid Lindgren story. Red cottages are dotted around a shared garden, creating the loveliest setting for family gatherings and long summer days. 

The farm dates back to the 17th century, and while it's been lovingly updated over the years, it hasn't lost an ounce of its soul.

Inside, it's everything I love about an old Swedish country home: honey-toned floorboards, wood-panelled walls and wonderfully wonky ceilings, all softened with linen, fresh flowers and painted wooden furniture in cheerful shades of blue, red and white. The old wood-burning range in the kitchen still takes pride of place, and the covered veranda is surely where everyone ends up after a swim or a day in the garden.

Could you imagine spending your summers here? Take the tour to find out!

I think I'd struggle to leave. Then again, perhaps there's room for a home office so I could stay and work from here year-round?

Is this your kind of summer oasis too?

Speaking of which, my daughter is standing beside me with a towel slung over her shoulder, patiently waiting for us to head down for a dip in the sea. I'd better not keep her waiting!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, and thank you so much for stopping by. See you early next week!

Niki

Photography via Historiska Hem, with thanks.

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A Swedish Summer Farm with Space for Everyone

One of the things I love about Sweden is how seriously people take their summer holidays. It's not unusual for families to take four weeks or more off, often staying close to home rather than travelling abroad. Days are spent at summer cottages, camping, visiting friends and family, swimming in lakes, and making the most of every precious hour of sunshine (and maybe a little rain too!). If you explore the Swedish countryside, you'll often notice several buildings on one property. Alongside the main house there might be a barn or, as in today's home, an attefallshus, a compact, self-contained guest house that's perfect for welcoming family and friends over the summer.

We visited Sweden's magnificent High Coast a few years ago and, in a very nerdy moment (according to my children!), I became fascinated by how the land is still rising every year after being compressed beneath a kilometres-thick sheet of ice during the Ice Age. It's such a beautiful part of Sweden, with dramatic coastline, peaceful forests, hidden beaches and wonderful walking trails. 

Today's 1920s farmhouse nestled in the High Coast is exactly the kind of place I'd happily disappear to for the summer. Perched on a peaceful hillside, it comes with a charming timber guest house complete with its own kitchen and living space, plus a separate cottage for any extra family or friends who happen to "drop by" (and never leave!). I can just picture lazy breakfasts with fresh eggs from the chicken coop, long lunches that somehow roll into dinner, and evening dips in the Baltic Sea. Best of all, everyone can enjoy spending time together, then retreat to their own space when they've had just enough family bonding for one day (half the secret to a happy holiday, don't you think?).

And for those of you who've been asking where Swedish families keep all their tech and computer screens, this home has the answer. There's even a dedicated home office, neatly tucked away from the rest of the house.

Ready to take the tour?

I love how this property offers the best of both worlds in terms of interiors - a rustic barn and traditional guest cottage, and a modernised main house that still keeps to a pared-back scheme. Lovely!

Do you have these types of summer houses in your country too? Could you also imagine spending the summer here? 

You might also check out Maria's house on the high coast which I featured two years ago - so beautiful!

Have a happy wednesday! I'll be back on Friday with another lovely tour - see you then!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks.

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A Charming Swedish Summer Cottage in the Countryside

Last weekend, we headed to our summer cottage for a few days. The tiniest buds were just beginning to appear on the lilac bushes, and a blackbird hopped around the garden, readying itself for spring. Although it was still cold, there was a quiet promise that soon the countryside will burst into life, turning lush and vibrant green. Just like at this beautiful cottage in the countryside, not far from the magical Gothenburg archipelago.

Traditional on the outside and quintessentially Swedish on the inside, the classic ochre, blue and white tones, botanical-themed wallpaper, and charming individual pieces have an air of the Swedish artist Carl Larsson's home.

Although most summer cottages in Sweden do have running water and electricity, it’s not unusual to find some that don’t. One friend of mine has a cottage on an island, and they have to take all their water with them for cooking, washing and drinking. Helen’s cottage has an outdoor loo only (not going to lie, I once stayed there during a two-day photoshoot and it gets so dark outside at night that I sprinted there and back in record time!). And I see this charming old cottage also has an outdoor loo — in fact, you’ll notice there are two side by side. Is it because they’re particularly sociable? Scroll down to discover why!

But prior to that, I hope you enjoy all the details first – the wallpaper, the oil lamps, mirrors, and views over the fields. Let's take a peek inside! 

Have you noticed the doors with the diagonal pattern? It’s something you see a lot of on doors and shutters in the countryside here. I recently got curious about why they’re built that way.

Like many things in Scandinavian design, there’s actually a practical reason. Traditional Swedish cottage doors and shutters often have diagonal wooden braces (sometimes forming a “Z” shape). These braces help keep the door stable, prevent it from sagging, and stop the wood from warping over time.

This construction method is called “ledge and brace,” and apparently it works especially well in climates like ours, where humidity and temperature change a lot throughout the year.

So, the loo or 'utedass' as it's called in Sweden. Just why are there two side by side? It's hardly a place you'd want to sit and chat for a while, right? The reason is actually very practical (as you might have guessed)- it is designed to accommodate different members of the family with a larger hole for adults and a smaller one for children (hence the stool to give the, a 'leg up'! 

I love that the owners have gone to the effort of painting checks on the flor and hanging a picture too! 

Oh, and I thought you might be curious about the wallpapers. The yellow one is 'hiprose' by Borås Tapater, and the one in the dining room is Duro by Gastgivars wallpaper.  

 I love seeing all the lush green - I can't wait to see all the leaves come out here (are they out where you are?). But also I noticed the beautiful old stone wall and steps in the garden. I wonder how long it would take for these took look lovely and aged if you were to add something like this today? I'd love to put something in like this at our little cottage - but not sure if modern-built stone has the same affect?

I'm really keen to here your thoughts about this Swedish country cottage too! 

It's actually for sale right now – maybe something to consider over the weekend? 

Since the weekend is coming up, how about a few more cottages to dream away over? 

A serene Swedish lakeside retreat

From classroom to country retreat
A cosy Swedish summer cottage to explore

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Niki

PS busy getting your outdoor space ready for Spring / Summer? I have written a guide with some nice tips in my latest story for IKEA here, if you fancy a read! 

Photography courtesy of Mäklerhuset with thanks.

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