A Cosy Danish Beach House Reatreat in the Dunes

It's 'höstlov' (half term) next week, and friends are heading off to various places near and far. I love this time of year in Sweden. There's still a warm wind coming off the sea, the leaves are a vibrant array of colours, and a staycation is very much called for. Although we're likely heading to our own little cabin, I can't help but think how wonderful it would be to spend a week at this delightful cottage in the dunes of Tornby Beach, a wide stretch of sand on the North Sea coast of Jutland.

For Anke and her husband, staying among the dunes was more than just a holiday dream. They longed to wake up to the sound of the surf, wander barefoot down to the water for an early morning swim, and enjoy coffee in their bathrobes with uninterrupted views of the sea. In 2024, that dream became a reality when they discovered Rylereden ("The Crow's Nest"), a charming summer house tucked into a hollow between the dunes at Tornby Strand.

Dating back to the 1930s and protected as a historic building, the tiny cottage has been lovingly restored while retaining all its original character. Flooded with sunlight and sheltered from the North Sea winds, it's a place where life's simple pleasures take centre stage. Let's take a peek inside (and at the beautiful surroundings) and dream of a week at this enchanting Danish retreat. Who knows, a stay might just become reality for one of us!

One to save to the holiday list, surely? I mean, I could actually live here ALL year round, going to sleep to the sound of the waves, waking up to the sun rising over the sea. How about you?

You can find Anke's beautiful cabin to rent here. 

Did you see the simple stove? We have one of those in our cabin (although a slightly more modern version), and it works so well. Plus, it encourages you to make simpler food, which is great in its own way! I also love how the cabin has been furnished with vintage finds. It really adds to the relaxed feel of both the cabin and mirrors its surroundings.

Would you like to see more Danish coastal properties today? Here are a few I love:

A Danish ceramist's house by the sea

A light and airy Danish cabin by the sea

A windswept Danish cabin in the dunes

It's been a bit of a fraught week, hence this late post, but I hope it was worth the wait! Since it's the school holidays next week, I'll be taking a little time out with my family ad back again the week after.

Thank you, as always, for dropping by and for all your wonderful comments and emails. I love reading them all!

Oh, and if you feel like doing a little shopping next week, don't forget to make the most of your discount with the small Finnish furniture company Nordlif (code NIKI10). It expires at the end of the month. You can see my coffee table here (and it's available here).

Have a wonderful week!

Niki

Photography Mette Johnson / Gastraum

READ MORE...

4

A Beautiful Former Chapel on Gotland Turned Airbnb

Gotland has been on my mind lately! Any long-term readers will know that I fell head over heels in love with this beautiful Swedish island when we sailed there a few years back (see my guide here). The only problem? Living in Malmö, it's always felt a little tricky to get there, so we haven't visited nearly as often as I'd like.

But lately I've been dreaming about a girls' weekend at Sibbjäns, perhaps? Or a stay in a beautiful Airbnb? Which is how I stumbled across this gem!

Welcome to a former Baptist chapel dating back to 1912, in the little village of Fide, around 5 km north of Burgsvik in southern Gotland. Today, it's a much-loved family summer home, which the owners also rent out as an Airbnb. And it's not hard to see why it's become a guest favourite! Sleeping up to eight guests, the property is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with lovely cycling routes, a beach just 2 km away and its very own pool!

Inside, the chapel has been transformed into a wonderfully relaxed home, with soaring ceilings, wood-panelled walls, colourful patterned floors, vintage furniture and quirky artwork. I love the slightly eclectic mix, which feels so personal and full of character. And that glazed veranda looks like the perfect spot for long summer lunches!

Shall we take a peek around?

What a beautiful place! I love all the pattern and the eclectic mix of items which all come together beautifully, and the entire place looks like such a relaxed place to be.

Have you ever visited Gotland? And could you imagine gathering a few friends or family members for a stay in this old chapel? I certainly could! You can find it on Airbnb here, in case you're looking for something for next summer.

Oh, and one tip if you're planning to book an Airbnb in Scandinavia. Guests are often expected to bring their own bed linen and towels, unless otherwise specified, so it's always worth checking before you go.

I suspect this comes from the Swedish summer cottage tradition, where guests often bring their own bedding when staying with friends. It saves the hosts mountains of laundry, especially when washing facilities are limited. A small detail, but definitely worth knowing before you pack your bags!

Thank you so much for stopping by this week, here's to a relaxing weekend ahead!

Happy Friday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks.

READ MORE...

18

A Dreamy Thatched Cottage and Creative Haven in the Swedish Countryside

We've sailed to Varberg on Sweden's west coast on a number of occasions, as it's the perfect stopover on the way to the incredible Gothenburg archipelago. But it's also a lovely destination in its own right! Home to some of my favourite creatives, including Kristin Lagerkvist (whose Varberg home and French getaway I've featured here before), and not far from the beautiful Strömma Farmlodge, the area has a wonderfully creative spirit. There must be something in the air!

Sculptor and interior designer Patricia Trambevski is one of those creatives. She's transformed a beautiful thatched-roof house overlooking the rolling Halland countryside into an extraordinary home and studio. And now she's ready to move on and let someone else enjoy this little slice of paradise (tempting, I have to say – anyone fancy going halves?).

The house is a wonderful mix of old, new and rustic, with beautiful natural materials, earthy colours and plenty of texture. Think muted green cabinetry, pale wood floors, weathered antiques and handmade details at every turn. I especially love how Patricia's artistic eye shines through, from the sculptural stone basin in the bathroom to the oversized pottery and little floral arrangements that bring the rooms to life. And can we talk about that kitchen? The green cabinetry and dark range cooker are such a lovely combination, don't you think?

And then there's the incredible light-filled dining space, the greenhouse with its wicker chairs and cosy sheepskins, and the garden bursting with dahlias.  

And luckily for us, photographer Angelica Hvass was there to capture it all so beautifully. Come and take a look around, I have a feeling you're going to like this one! 

Aaah, so lovely! What a dream place Patricia has created. There are so many wonderful spots to gather with friends and family, or simply sneak off for a little peace and quiet.

Was there anything in particular that stood out to you about this beautiful Varberg home? I'd love to hear your observations!

If you're feeling tempted to pack your bags and move in (I wouldn't blame you!), the house is actually for sale – you can take a peek at the listing here. And be sure to check out more of Patricia's beautiful creative work on Instagram.

And while we're on the subject of creativity, I'd also love to give a little shout-out to small, independent businesses. Do any of you run your own? Or perhaps you have a family member or close friend who does? If so, please share it in the comments below and tell us a little about what you do. Let's help spread the word and support one another. I can't wait to hear what you're all up to!

Niki

Styling: FRÄSCHT Photography: Angelica Hvass for Kust Mäklarna

READ MORE...

22