Allow me to take you back in time today. Well, you'd be forgiven for thinking so but actually, this charming Norwegian cottage belongs to Liv Sandvik Jakobsen - a freelance journalist, who has carefully restored the property, while being careful to keep the original charm. Liv and her family live in near the village of Kviteseid, 3 hours' drive West of Oslo. The cottage has views of the fjords, which are equally spectacular in the winter as they are in the summer, and all seasons in between!
Inside, the wood panelling has been painted in soft earthy blues and greens to reflect the colours of the surroundings, and antique furniture provides cosy spots to gather around a table or keep warm by the fire. Ready for the tour? Welcome to Liv's cosy world in the Norwegian fjords!
Liv has used piping over the stove to store 'knekkebrød' - traditional crisp bread.
The interior is mainly made up of vintage and antique furniture, however you occasionally spot a modern touch, such as the wall lamp beside the dining area.
Mittens and other linen are hung to dry over the wood burning stove, which is also used to boil the kettle.
Liv is a keen knitter and has co-produced three popular knitting pattern books with knit designer Lene Holme Samsøe. I am actually learning to knit right now (thank you Farmor!) but making such slow progress. It's my dream to knit one of these beautiful Norwegian jumpers one day! Can you knit?
Come summer, the light transforms and with it, the fjords turn a wonderful blue-green hue. Would you like to see how it looks outside in summertime? Here are a few pictures!
How incredible! This has made me miss the Norwegian fjords so much. I really need to make a return trip some point soon. Norway is a magical country! Have you ever been?
See more of Liv's charming cottage and life in the countryside at @livslyst. You might also like to explore these Norwegian country homes today:
You might also feel inspired by my trip to the Hardanger fruit trail a few years back. Read all about it here!
Klem!
Niki
Photography courtesy of @livslyst, shared with kind permission.
Gorgeous! Reminds me of the Swiss mountain communities. Very cozy and warm colors
ReplyDeleteSo true, there are definitely similarities! / Niki
DeleteOutstanding!! That is paradise.
ReplyDeleteIt is! I'm happy you loved this tour too. / Niki
DeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful home. It is so inviting . So inviting. I loved seeing it. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLiv has such a beautiful home! / Niki
DeleteWhat a place! I love Norway!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Liv's home is so lovely and Norway is the most incredible country! / Niki
DeleteWow, those views!
ReplyDeleteAnd I was going to ask what are those disks hanging above [what I presume is a] coffee mill - is the knekkebrød? I have always seen it sold (back home in Europe) cut into rectangles - I have never seen it round. What a genious way of storing it!
Yes! It can be stored for up to 6 - 12 months in a dry place, traditionally, they'd hang it like this in the kitchen. I love crisp bread with butter and cheese - so simple but so delicious! / Niki
DeleteTo actually live there! What a dream.
ReplyDeleteI know! Incredible! / Niki
DeleteWOW! A cosy house in an expansive location. What's not to love about any of this. Any chance of a house swap (your winter for our summer in New Zealand)?
ReplyDeleteIt's worth a shot, you should reach out to Liv! It sounds like a fair swap to me, two amazing countries! / Niki
DeleteSorry for the nitpicking, but this is not technically in a fjord. It is in the mountains in Telemark, and the water you see there is a lake. A beautiful area, but not a true fjord. A fjord opens up out towards the ocean. This lake is long and narrow like a fjord, but has no opening towards the ocean. It is often called a "fjord lake" since it has similarities but not all the same geological markers.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you pointed this out - very helpful! Thank you :) / Niki
DeleteOh my goodness, take me back! I was first to Norway in 2001 for a friend's wedding, was there for a week and fell in love, knew it would be perfect for a honeymoon (because it's like a fairytale, it isn't real...) and years later in 2017, I returned, this time on that very honeymoon with my husband, and we got to visit more of the country, including Bergen and Jotenheimen (backpacked there, it was amazing!). We can't wait to return, this time with our son! And also, I do knit! My first time to Norway I bought over $200 USD in Norwegian yarn; it was insane racing for the train with a HUGE box of yarn!! I also smuggled home some gjetost, the Norwegian brown cheese that I fell in love with...
ReplyDeleteThis home tour was made for you! I agree, Norway is such a wonderful place, I would like to return with my children too. You've also inspired me to pick up some Norwegian yarn next time I'm there - perhaps not will promopt me to learn a little quicker if I have something beautiful to knit with! / Niki
DeleteAbsolutely!! Find one of the Husflidens, they are the craft shops that are located in the major cities and have an incredible selection of Rauma wool yarn (produced by Norskein Knitting Supply), and it is SO wonderful! I was so inspired by ALL of the shades of green that I saw in Norway that I made sure to get one of each shade of green that they Rauma was making! I still need to make that forest-and-moss-inspired blanket... ~ Morgan in Kentucky, USA
DeleteI'm late to the party, but .... wow. The setting and the cottage are right up my alley. Thank you for showing it in different seasons. I immediately noticed the lovely knitwear and it added to my enjoyment to find out that the owner did the knitting. Yes, I can knit, although not at the skill level demonstrated here. Good yarn is pricey but the enjoyment factor increases when knitting with quality yarn (until you make a mistake, not that I ever do .... ).
ReplyDeleteI was also very taken with the crocheted snowflakes topping the window, the dishware, and the grapevine chandelier. This was a treat to see. Thank you!
This home is beautiful. I especially love the kitchen. I started knitting when the whole family was home during the pandemic. Now I am addicted. PetiteKnit.com have great guides and patterns for beginners.
ReplyDelete