A Cosy Welsh Cottage and Its Gentle Wolfhound Host

When I was little, we used to visit the Lake District, a mountainous and breathtakingly beautiful area in England, where we’d spend our days walking in the fells. We always stayed in a stone cottage, its electricity powered by a coin-fed meter. A small stream ran through the garden, and we’d spend hours playing in it. Needless to say, those visits remain etched in my memory.

So when I came across this cottage today, it instantly took me back to that very place.

Although it’s not in the same location, this one is actually in Llanwrthwl, Wales, it bears many similarities. Tucked away on a quiet Welsh hillside, the four-bedroom farmhouse known as Bwlch Coch has a timeless, storybook quality. The core of the house dates back to the 17th century, though some elements are thought to be far older, reaching back around 700 years. Step inside and the history is impossible to miss: oak panels in the living room are believed to have once belonged to a ship, and a broad inglenook fireplace anchors the home, a reminder of centuries of warmth and gathering.

The renovation has been carried out with care, highlighting the original character while ensuring it’s a warm and welcoming place to be (with a hint of modern too - keep an eye out for the pendants and art photography!), surrounded by beautiful hills.

The perfect retreat to get us in the mood for the weekend!

How unbelievably cosy. I can almost feel that lovely, damp, cool air and the warmth of the toasty fire (did you see all those books stacked on the coffee table waiting to be read?. And how cute is the Irish Wolfhound? I bet he loves his walks!

Was there anything that stood out to you about this charming Welsh cottage?

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing in my love for exploring beautiful homes.

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, with thanks. 

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A Funky 1960s Swedish Townhouse Full of Personality

I’ve got something a little different to share with you today: a funky Swedish townhouse from the 1960s that’s absolutely brimming with personality. It’s one of those homes that feels warm and lived-in the moment you step inside.

The house itself has a clever mid-century layout, featuring a half-floor plan and an abundance of natural light, but it’s the way the family has personalised it that truly makes it stand out. Think second-hand treasures, playful details, bold art photography, bookshelves that wrap around entrances and colour-drenched bedrooms in pinks and blues. The kitchen, a mix of blue, green and stainless steel, is the kind of place where you just know people end up lingering over dinner. And upstairs there’s a snug living room with a fireplace that’s made for hunkering down on the cooler days to come!

Oh, and outside there’s a warm surprise waiting at the end of the tour. Any guesses what it might be?

Gaaaah, where to start? There are so many lovely things about this home, and it’s clear the owners have spent a lot of time turning it from a house into a home. It’s filled with wonderful, quirky pieces that bring so much personality and warmth to the space.

I have to say, I’m a big fan of the sauna too. They really come into their own in winter, offering a brilliant way to beat the winter blues and unwind. Are you a sauna fan as well?

What stood out to you about this home? Did you spot any ideas you’d like to try in your own space?

Happy mid-week, friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

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A Charming Glimpse into Sophia's Swedish Country Home

A couple of years ago, my family and I enjoyed a wonderful break in Saltsjöbaden, part of the stunning Stockholm archipelago. We have such happy memories from our trip, swimming in the Baltic, kayaking through calm waters and taking long, scenic walks (althogh Per and I probably enjoyed that last activity more than the kids!). So it feels extra special to revisit today, this time in the form of a house tour.

This charming home belongs to Sophia Schyman, who has lovingly restored it with a thoughtful, sustainable touch. The house’s beautiful bones have been enhanced by pretty patterned wallpaper, striped curtains, vintage furniture and elegant tiled floors.

Each room has such an easy charm. I love the warm wood panelling in the dining room and gingham tablecloth; it feels made for long, cosy meals. The bedroom is so calm and inviting, with soft linens and a lovely view of the garden. And even the bathroom has that timeless touch with its chequered floor. 

Ready to be inspired by a few corners of Sophie's charming Swedish country home?

This is just a little snapshot as Sophia continues to renovate the house, room by room. You can follow her projects here.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoyed the tour! Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Would you like to see a few more country homes today? 

A warm, rural Swedish home that combines old and new
From classroom to country retreat
The idyllic thatched cottage of a Danish artist

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Sophia Schyman, shared with kind permission.

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Laid-Back Living in a London Terrace

I always feel a wave of nostalgia from my childhood in England at this time of year — those darker evenings, the cold, damp air, the rustle of leaves underfoot. It takes me straight back to my autumn school uniform, running out onto the hockey field in nothing but shorts and an airtex T-shirt, legs a mottled blue, and the promise of Guy Fawkes Night just around the corner. It’s funny how the seasons have a way of stirring up old memories. What time of year makes you feel nostalgic? Is it a scent, a sound, a shift in the light?

Anyway, that’s my very long-winded way of saying… today’s home tour feels wonderfully, unmistakably British. One of those classic terraced houses tucked away in West Norwood, built in the late Victorian era. The house itself is simple in structure, but full of character – a relaxed space layered with art, books, and collected treasures. The kitchen, with its stained glass windows, well-loved table by the window, and practical, unfussy design, feels lived in rather than styled. And in the living room, throws, checks, stripes, and textures create the kind of quiet warmth that makes a house feel like home. Oh, and keep an eye out for the playful wavy touch in the sitting room - it makes me wonder about the person who lives here. I'm guessing they work in the creative world somehow! 

All in all a simple home with plenty of heart – the very best kind, in my eyes. Welcome to the tour!

What I loved most about this home are all the thoughtful, personal touches that make it feel truly lived in. The checked throw in the living room add a playful layer of warmth, while the little alcove by the garden door — with its sofa bathed in natural light — offers the perfect reading spot. I also love the way old and new sit so comfortably together here: a mix of vintage wooden pieces with a clean, modern bathroom, and art in the kitchen that brings such character to an otherwise simple space. What details caught your eye? I’d love to hear.

Fancy pouring yourself a cup of tea and exploring a few more British homes today? How about a look at these: 

A breathtaking home in Edinburgh that celebrates slow living
Old meets new in a eclectic London townhouse
A dreamy Cornish escape

Thank you for indulging me and coming along on a little virtual trip to this lovely house in London today — I hope you enjoyed the tour as much as I did!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend,

Niki 

P.S. Thank you so much for all your kind comments. I absolutely love reading them — you do so much to create such a warm, positive community here and truly bring this blog to life. I’m looking forward to replying to them shortly!

Photography courtesy of Inigo with thanks. 

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