This Idyllic Örust Island Cottage Is the Ultimate Swedish Summer Escape

Oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve failed miserably in my promise to feature a city home today. The thing is, this absolute gem popped up on the market, and ever since, I’ve been dreaming of waking up to the sea view every morning.

Funnily enough, my family and I must have sailed past this charming cottage on one of our voyages around the island of Örust on Sweden’s west coast. Just as well I didn’t know it at the time—or I’d have insisted we drop anchor and swim ashore for a viewing!

Tucked away on the eastern side of the island, the property comprises several buildings—perfect for hosting an extended family or the occasional overnight guest—while still maintaining a strong sense of privacy. There's a saying in Sweden: “Guests start to smell like fish after three days,” and let me tell you, Swedish summer holidays are long, so the more independence each guest has, the better!

In true Swedish summer cottage fashion, the interior is simple and bright, with lots of white and just a touch of colour here and there. The focus is firmly on outdoor living and those breathtaking sea views. While the water can reach a balmy 23°C (73°F) at the height of summer, there’s nothing quite like a sauna to help you unwind—especially when the Nordic weather gods aren’t on side.

Ready to take the tour and dream of a Swedish summer by the water?

I spotted one rarity: a washing machine in the kitchen! It’s something you see all the time in the UK—but never in Sweden, where they’re usually found in the bathroom.

And did you notice the binoculars? They seem to be a common sight in home tours lately (remember the pair in the Welsh house on Friday?). Oh, how I’d love to have a view so expansive and interesting that it required binoculars!

I was especially taken with the magnificent sitting room and dining area, complete with panoramic views of the sea, and the pretty floral wallpaper in the bedroom. And I couldn’t help but smile imagining how happy I’d be if I were a guest and someone led me to the twin outhouse, complete with oars stored on the rafters, with a cheerful, “This is where you’ll be sleeping.” What a dream!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Here are a few other lovely coastal summer cottages to enjoy today. 

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea
A cosy Swedish cottage by the sea
15 coastal living ideas to steam from a Danish cabin
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views

The Swedish west coast is so magical - here is a list of ten of my favourite islands. 

And for city apartments (in lieu of their current absence - ahem!): 

A Stockholm apartment where past and present meet
Alisan's serene Copenhagen flat
Juni's creative Oslo apartment 

Did any of these capture your imagination in particular? 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks.