Hagestad Nygård: A Dreamy Österlen Farmhouse Full of Character

Hejsan! How was your weekend?

As long-term readers will know, I live in Skåne, in southern Sweden, and this time of year it really comes into its own. Have you been here in summer? The fields are glowing, the beaches fill with life, and the little cafés and farm shops buzz just enough to feel alive, but never rushed.

Tucked into the rolling landscape of Österlen is Hagestad Nygård, a farmstead with over a hundred years of history. Built with care by Esbjörn Persson, it still carries that sense of craftsmanship and calm. And since 2020, it has been cared for with a lovely blend of preservation and gentle modern updates.

The property comprises three separate buildings, which serve as separate dwellings and also a relaxation area, complete with a small, lush indoor pool. And outside, a saltwater pool awaits on warmer days.

The interiors are warm and expressive, with earthy tones, bold accents, and just the right amount of dramatic flair. And each room feels thoughtful, but never staged. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger—throw open a window, make a coffee, and stay awhile.

Oh, and the sea is just a short bike ride away, and villages like Kåseberga and Löderup are nearby, full of character and that Österlen summer energy I always find hard to put into words.

Did I mention this place is actually for sale via Christies? Your new home, perhaps? Take the tour and see for yourself. You might just fall in love.

I love the relaxation part of the property - it's wonderful! Here are a few pictures: 

Such an incredible property! I love the sense of drama in those walls with their rich, time-worn patina.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of a sunken bath that feels like a little pool. We definitely don’t have the space (or budget) for one—but a girl can dream, right?

What stands out to you most about Hagestad Nygård? Tempted to make it your home? It would be a big life change… but such a good one, don’t you think? You can read more about it and see more pictures here. 

How about a lovely, slow start to the week and a peek at a few more Skånegårds today? 

Step inside a traditional Skånegård in the Swedish countryside
A charming rustic farmhouse in Skåne
A charming farmhouse in southern Sweden

I hope you have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Christies, with thanks.

READ MORE...

4

Scandinavian Calm in a Small Space

Why, hello there! I thought I’d ease into the week by taking you on a little tour of a mini Swedish apartment. After all, over half of us (according to the stats!) now live in cities – and that often means compact living. But small can be beautiful and seriously inspiring still, don’t you think?

Measuring just 24 square metres (258 square feet), this bright 1940s apartment in Stockholm’s Södermalm district is a masterclass in calm, clever design. Everything you need is within arm’s reach: a charming kitchenette with internal windows to let the light (and conversation) flow, traditional Swedish storage jars, a cosy dining nook – and even a balcony.

It’s easy to imagine someone putting their personal stamp on it and calling it home. Or perhaps using it as the perfect little pied-à-terre — I actually know a couple of people who commute from Malmö to Stockholm during and need a peaceful place to stay while they’re away from their families.

I could happily picture this as a dreamy little city pad – perfect for working, wandering, and tucking into a bowl of fresh strawberries in the sunshine. How about you?

A lovely, peaceful, calming spot.

I really like the three colours in the bedroom zone: that soft blue-green, the warm cognac, and a pop of fuchsia pink! The little dining area is charming too — simple but inviting.

What’s missing from these pictures is storage — I’m guessing there’s some tucked under the bed, and there’s definitely room for more at the foot of it. There might even be some built-in space around the corner in the hallway. And of course, it could use a few bookshelves — but there’s plenty of space for those!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Do you live fairly compact yourself? If you’re in the mood for more small-space inspiration today, feel free to scroll through the small spaces archive. (This one might pop up first — if it does, don’t worry, you’re still in the right place! Just scroll on down to the next tour.).

I mentioned at the beginning of this post that I was going to start small this week — what I didn’t mention is that I’ll be ending on quite a big note… with a trip to Rome! I’ve been kindly invited by a lovely Italian bathroom company, and I’ll be staying on for a couple of days to explore a little. I feel very lucky — and excited!  If you happen to have any tips or favourite spots in the city, I’d be so grateful to hear them.

It does mean I won’t be able to post on the blog this week, but if you fancy tagging along, I’ll be sharing a few glimpses of my trip over on Instagram Stories.

See you back here on Monday — and in the meantime, I hope you have a really lovely week!

Niki

Photo: Dana Ozollapa
Styling: C Lindholm design
For Historiska Hem

READ MORE...

16

A Swedish Flat Filled with Light, Character and Effortless Decor Ideas

Good morning! How are you faring this Monday? Are you ready for a fresh week of Scandinavian home tours (and whatever else life throws our way)?

It was such a joy to read your comments on the blog over the weekend – thank you! After sharing not one but two allotment cottages last week (here and here), one of the most frequently asked (and entirely fair!) questions was: but where’s the bathroom? A crucial detail indeed - and I hope my reply helped put your mind at ease.

To avoid any confusion (or understandable panic!), I’ve included a photo of the bathroom in this fresh, light-filled apartment in The Bakery in Gothenburg in today's home tour.

That said, you might be too busy admiring the beautiful decor to notice – think charming Shaker chairs designed by Børge Mogensen in the kitchen/dining area, fabulous lighting (I spy a Gubi Semi Pendant, plus an AJ floor lamp and Alma wall lamp), a sweet balcony, and a little home office nook tucked into the hallway. And how lovely are the flowers in the bedroom?

My eye was also drawn to the large kilim rug in the sitting room, which does a wonderful job of creating a cosy, defined zone. I actually have a fun little rug story to share with you at the end of the post, which I think you’ll enjoy.

In the meantime, I hope you love exploring this Swedish home as much as I did!

Oh, so lovely! This home has really helped clear my head for the start of the week. I love the fresh white floors, the beautiful rugs, and the internal windows that allow light to flood into the hallway.

Also – how pretty is the checked children’s bed canopy? I’ve seen many over the years, but never one quite like this. It feels both fresh and perfectly on trend! After a little research, I found it on Etsy. 

And the dress hanging in the hallway? Such a great styling tip. I hung my favourite summer dress in front of my wardrobe this weekend – and I’ve loved seeing it there. It’s the one I wear to parties, so just looking at it helps me dream of warm evenings, good times, and being surrounded by friends in the summer sun. I love how pulling out one of your prettiest wardrobe pieces can brighten a room like a piece of art. 

Now, about the rug – I had to share this story! An elderly friend of mine recently sold a rug that had been gathering dust in her attic for years. It was one she’d inherited from her parents and a little too large for her home. When she took it to an auction house, they valued it at 4,000 SEK (around 360 euros). But in the final twenty minutes of the online auction, things went completely bananas – and it sold for 34,400 SEK (around 3150 euros)! Not bad at all for something that had been long forgotten. Have you ever sold anything like that? Who knows what treasures we might all have tucked away in our own attics.

Anyhow, time to share a few lovely Scandinavian apartments with you - in case you'd like more inspiration today: 

Mia's charming Stockholm apartment, full of texture
An artful and creative home in Aarhus, Denmark
The earthy Stockholm home of a vintage shopkeeper

Right folks, I need to rush, as I’m heading to Germany in a few hours to discover the latest news and trends at Interzum in Cologne. If you'd like to follow my journey and see some glimpses from the fair please do follow along on Instagram. 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki x

Photography: Alvhem, with thanks.

READ MORE...

13

Swedish Farmhouse Style: A Serene Country Escape in Kumla

In my book Njuta*, I wrote about how we often need to have longed for something in order to truly delight in it. That might be a cool drink after a long run, the scent of lilacs bursting into bloom after a long winter, or the first sun-ripened, juicy strawberry of summer. Right now, Sweden is a feast for the senses. After months of monochrome dormancy, the world has erupted into colour – lilacs, wisteria, and blossom in full bloom—and we’re truly delighting in the newly vibrant landscape and the birdsong, as our feathered friends go about their business again after their winter migration.

This beautiful country house in – Kumla nestled in Örebro County, in the heart of central Sweden—is surrounded by lush greenery from every window. A vibrant spray of lilacs brightens the farmhouse kitchen table, bringing the outside in. But this home offers more than just lovely views. The owners have taken great care in crafting a space where dark wood contrasts beautifully with white wood-clad walls. The rooms are simple, yet tastefully decorated, making me wonder who lives here – someone who clearly has an eye for interior design. Sadly, we may never know, as the owners have decided to move on.

Here’s a glimpse into a couple of the lovely rooms—and the outdoor space, where you can dream of summer dining alfresco by the pool. Enjoy the tour!

So lovely!

I’d be very happy flitting about in this farmhouse this weekend—or year-round, for that matter. How about you?

I wish I had more photos to share with you, but the full listing isn’t out just yet. As soon as it is, I promise I’ll update the post and show you more.

In the meantime, did anything in particular catch your eye about this house?

I loved the traditional Swedish gate-leg table in the kitchen, and the mix of vintage chairs. I recently bought a similar table myself, though it still needs a bit of renovation. I suddenly feel like my mother – our childhood weekends were spent at auctions, and she would always come home with something beautiful and old. Some of those pieces made their way into our house, but there was always that one chair sitting in the garage for about 25 years, just waiting to be done up! Does that sound familiar to you too?

Anyway, it’s finally time to welcome the weekend – yay! Thank you so much for stopping by this week. I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour of the coastal Swedish island summer cottage, the Latvian cabin, and today’s countryside house. I’ve really loved reading all your comments.

See you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erik Olsson, with thanks

*ad for my own book

READ MORE...

23