Hi there sailors!
Sweden is in full summer mode. Boats zig-zag across the fairways, dropping anchor beside tiny islands for picnics, swims and long, lazy picnics. Everyone seems to be dressed in crisp blues and whites, and across the Stockholm archipelago, families are loading up the boat and escaping to their summer houses for a few blissful weeks by the water.
But... how many people can say they're heading to a cottage with its very own tower?
This incredible summer retreat centres around a turn-of-the-century villa, complete with a tower dating back to 1890, set on a sun-drenched waterfront. There's a private jetty, a guest house, beautiful original details... and, as if that wasn't enough, a magnificent little stone tower that has watched over the property for generations. Can you imagine the stories those walls could tell?
And the best part? Despite its history, nothing about the interiors feels stuffy or precious. Instead, it's all wonderfully relaxed. Blue-and-white stripes, old oil lamps, weathered furniture and beautiful antiques create that effortless coastal look Scandinavians do so well.
As for the children? I doubt they'd spend much time indoors. Would you, if you had a tower to explore, rocks to scramble over and the sea waiting at the end of your own jetty? I have a feeling they'd disappear after breakfast and only reappear when someone called them in for 'middag'.
Ready to dream a little?
Beautiful, in that wonderfully understated, yet traditional Swedish way.
It must be heartbreaking for the family who are selling it.
I recently heard that it's actually quite rare for summer cottages to stay in the same family for more than three generations. As families grow, more and more people have a stake in them, making it increasingly difficult to divide the time, agree on the upkeep or buy one another out. It must be with a very heavy heart that a much-loved place like this changes hands.
But then I like to think about the next chapter. Another family gets to arrive by boat every summer, children get to race up the tower, grandparents sit on the jetty watching the boats drift by, and new traditions are made.
Could that be you and your family? And if it is... is it OK if I drop by? By boat, of course!
Have a happy wednesday!
Niki
Photography courtesy of Mäklarhuset
What a beautiful and peaceful retreat! The timeless details and cozy Scandinavian style make this place truly inspiring. It reminds me that preserving traditional craftsmanship is just as important as modern techniques like digitize for embroidery, where classic designs are transformed into lasting stitched artwork. Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a dream. The architecture, the location, the decor, is sheer perfection. I'm not sure if I would spend more time outside or inside. It's rustic, romantic, and nostalgic, but not so sweet that it makes my teeth hurt (don't Brits call that "too twee"?). Pretty sure this is out of my budget, but if I could afford it, you would be welcome to visit, Niki!
ReplyDelete"It makes my teeth hurt" - never heard that phrase before, love it! Yes, we'd say 'too twee'! Sadly, this is way out of my budget too, but a girl can dream, right?
DeleteBeautiful and peaceful.
ReplyDeleteHappy you thought so too :)
DeleteLoved reading the last few lines. Hits me too each time. To sell a place like this!
ReplyDeleteIntelligent use of white, grey, blue, stripes, upholstery, wall paper, stone walls, tassels and antiques. Beautiful light fixtures. And the views! Favorite was frame 2, white panels, wooden window trims and the lovely tablecloth with that view.
Am a bit surprised this summer home couldn't be divided up, counted 3 kitchens☺ Then again, " new traditions are made". Thank you Niki!
You're absolutely right, it could probably be divided up.
DeleteI don't know the reason it's on the market, but I do have a friend with a family summer house in the Stockholm archipelago that has gone through so many generations that they have had to create a booking system, with one week each in the summer. When you have so many owners, things like maintenance and who decided what / buys what etc becomes really tricky and they can fall into disrepair / become more or a burden. Other times, the property has gone up in price so much that family members simply can't afford to buy the other one out so if one wants to sell, it might need to go on the market. Very sad indeed.
Maravilloso lugar, estoy por ir...😍
ReplyDelete¡Qué ilusión! Espero que disfrutes muchísimo del viaje. Es una parte mágica del mundo.
DeleteWow! I went to the real estate page to look at more photos. What a great place. I'll take it!
ReplyDelete