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
A serene Swedish lakeside retreat
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.
So calm and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteIt really does feel like that from the pictures, I could sense it too!
Deletedear niki, I'going to give you a little natural tip in response to your question.
ReplyDeleteI live in a very large and old house in the french countryside. It's a family inheritance. 10 years ago I've aged some of the natural stone parts that had recently been restored so that you can't see the difference between new and old. this trick also works for aging unfinished terracotta flowerpots.
Just mix one or two yogurts (cow's milk) with water, a little garden soil and a bit of little green stone moss. Blend and dilute it so it can be used in a sprayer, otherwise apply the mixture with a sponge or brush. Time will do its work (12 /18 months), and you may need to repeat the process.
Delighted to enjoy your posts every week. TFW
What a brilliant tip, thank you so much - really appreciate it!
DeleteAs a child, each summer, my family of six would take a short vacation to a rustic fishing cabin. I have fond memories of those times. I don’t think my mother enjoyed them as much as the rest of us. It was challenging to clean up the dishes and all of us children without hot running water. I think I’d enjoy a day or two in a similar setting but am too spoiled now with all of the conveniences we enjoy now for more than that.
ReplyDeleteI love that this home brought back memories of your childhood. It does sound like you had the most fantastic time!
DeleteNiki, I love all your posts. Can you tell me where I can purchase the hanging oil lamps or the more elaborate lamps I see over the kitchen tables in Scandinavian homes. I've looked for a long time and cannot find them. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI love these traditional kerosene lamps, you can find one just the one in this home here: https://www.sekelskifte.com/en/products/kerosene-lamp-lyckeby
Thank you so much for sharing this special cottage!! I loved the scrubbed wood floors and furniture pieces, especially the wooden bench, storage piece with mirror above and the piano stool turned into a plant stand....just beautiful. The stone steps!! So much to enjoy here. Yes, no running water or indoor plumbing is such a challenge. My grandparents lived in an old farmhouse with a little pump inside for water and an outhouse outside for.....well, you know! Theirs was not painted up inside like this one. As a child I was once stung on my bum by a bee when using the facilities! I well remember the sprints through wet grass in the mornings or worse yet the run through snow to get out there. As an adult I was glad that I got to experience the hardships of my ancestors as it has made me appreciate what we have now. This house does remind me of my grandparent's home in a pleasant way too- the hammock!! Grandma had two large cottonwood trees in her front yard and a hammock hung between them. I spent hours and hours out there as a child, singing, dreaming and just listening to the breeze blow through the leaves above my head. That hammock holds a special place in my heart and I thank you for the memory you brought to me today. : >)
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe you were stung on the bum by a bee - that must have been such a shock!!
DeleteI loved that this house brought back so many happy memories for you.
Thanks to all of you who wrote such nice comments today. Wouldn't it be fun if we could all gather at a place like this for a weekend?
ReplyDeleteI also prefer indoor plumbing, although I have done a fair amount of tent camping (which involves heading to the pit toilet--definitely not as cute as these are) and I can handle it for a short period of time, but I've grown very accustomed to indoor facilities. My mom grew up in an old farmhouse without indoor plumbing, and the outhouse was a "three-holer". She and her brothers all headed out together when they were very small. At some point, indoor plumbing was added, which I'm sure was a very welcome addition.
Niki, thank you for the explanation about the doors. So interesting (and smart!). This place is adorable inside and out. I love the red exterior, and both styles of wallpaper are cheery and have a lovely nostalgic feel. The dog figurine on the table adds quirky charm, and the hammock looks like a great place to while away a sunny, sleepy day. And what a beautiful setting!
We are sooooo far from spring right now. It's very windy (I'm a little worried about losing power) with a rain/snow mix. We do have some crocuses blooming, but otherwise, it seems a long way until spring! Keep bringing these lovely posts--they brighten my day. :)
I hope you didn't lose power in the storm Kris!
DeleteCan you imagine how luxury it would have felt for your Mother and her family to suddenly get indoor plumbing? What a difference that would have made. It just goes to show how lucky we are (it's something I take completely for granted!).
I love it!
ReplyDeleteYes!! It would be fun to gather as a group in one of these Scandi homes.........one with indoor plumbing though!!! ; > ) I enjoy both the posts and the comments and am thankful for such positivity in a world that sometimes feels very dark. : > )
ReplyDeleteHow fun that would be!!! PS I think we all agree on the indoor plumbing!
DeleteEvery detail in this little cottage is lovely, the floors, furniture, counted at least 3 woodstoves, windows, wallpaper. Love the loft space and the stone patio. More than an outdoor facility, wonder if the restroom is heated. We had no power for 4 days in autumn and the restroom was ice cold inside the home, can imagine what it must be outside. Am sure it comes with some acreage for gardening and fruit trees.
ReplyDelete