Stay in Your Very Own Tower Near Malmö, Sweden

It's funny how you can live somewhere for twenty years and still discover new and exciting places in your neck of the woods. Yesterday, I stumbled across this tower on instagram and realised with much excitement that it's located just outside Malmö. Not only that but you can rent it for over night stays! Naturally, I'm already planning my trip. And of course, I had to share it with you in case you're headed this way too! 

These pictures are decidedly summery, and the pared down look is wonderful for balmy nights under the midnight sun. But my guess is that it will feel equally as cosy when there's snow on the ground and you're wrapped under a blanket with a log burner going, don't you think? I hope you enjoy the tour of this charming stone tower as much as I have! 

When it comes to holiday homes, simplicity is key. And I think this lovely tower has been decorated to perfection, with plenty of hooks for clothes. 

This is the log burner I was talking about - so cosy next to the bed! I love being able to see the wood-burning stove from our bed in the cabin too! 

Maybe I can even convince Per to get strumming on the guitarre!

I'm mesmerised by the big glass doors on the ground floor and these large windows on the middle floor - so beautiful! 

At night the candles above the bed can be lit for a romantic evening looking out over the fields. Just saying.

What a perfect stay! 

Could you imagine hanging out here for a few days? If so, head on over to Tornet i Pile for more information about booking a stay or organising an event. You might also like to get involved in one of the food workshops! 

Incidentally, I am fully aware that I am busy sharing summery pictures while the rest of the online world appears to be turning increasingly Christmassy (I've even spotted even a new phrase this month 'Novent'! 

I will get there with my Scandi Christmas inspiration (it is so pretty after all!), especially with first Sunday of advent two weeks ago - but I thought I'd wait just a little longer if OK with you guys! 

Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends! 

See you Friday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Tornet i Pile, shared with kind permission. 

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A Cosy Cabin Where the Outdoor Space Takes Centre-stage

I've gone a little off piste this week. OK, majorly off-piste, with not one but TWO cabins Down Under. The first: a garden hideaway, was on Wednesday, and the second - today! But who can blame me when they exude relaxed charm? 

The Woods Ocean Grove is made up of two cosy cabins nestled in the woods in the Ballerine Peninsula, Wadawurring, Australia. With the roar of the ocean and calls from the bush forever present, the property has been designed to embrace the great outdoors with an al fresco dining area, kitchen, bathroom and fire pit. 

Living in Sweden, I understand the allure of embracing the great weather when it arrives - and love the idea of carving out zones in the garden (or even a little balcony). Don't miss the snapshots of the interiors too - full of easy vintage style as well as colours and materials inspired by the ocean and bush beyond, drawing the outside in. 

Lovely inspiration for a balcony. I really like how they've added bar stools and a bar for coffee... wine.... If your balcony is covered, a swinging chair is a great idea too! 

The tiles in this outdoor bathroom give the space a complete look and an air of permanency. And you can never go wrong with a clawfoot tub, right? 

Outdoor curtains add a whimsical, soft touch to spaces which could otherwise come across 'hard'. In this instance, it's a perfect way to ensure privacy in the bathroom too! 

Anyone for tennis?

I actually used to play college tennis (many moons ago)! My serve is so bad these days though I prefer Padel. But I'd be happy to pick up my racket for a swing on this court! 

Could you imagine staying at The Woods Ocean Grove too? Find out more here. 

How great is the outdoor space? I know we don't all have gardens as big as this - but it's still amazing what you can do with a balcony or even a windowseat - and by adding lots of blankets, cushions and oil lamps you can enjoy it long into Autumn, maybe even winter! 

I've also always loved the idea of using colours that reflect your surroundings. Granted that in a city this can be tricky - but there's nothing to stop you from bringing in chestnut browns, rust and burnt orange come autumn, and vibrant green shades in the spring, storing and brining out items is such a quick way to refresh the home and embrace each season - and means you'll appreciate what you have even more. Do you like to update your home for the season? 

Have a fabulous weekend! I'll be back on Monday with a Scandinavian home tour! 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography by Marnie Hawson, styling Belle Hemming Bright. Shared with kind permission. Last picture by Nikole Ramsay. 

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Airbnb Tip: The Stonecutters Farm on the Swedish Island of Öland

Hot off the press: The Stonecutters Farm on the Swedish island of Öland has just been released on Airbnb for bookings! But first, a little background! 

Christin (an interior designer) and Ronny stumbled across this charming little farmhouse in the Baltic one late Autumn nine years ago. It had been derelict for many years and was in desperate need of repair. "We started a long journey of renovations and at the same time looked into the history of the farm and its surroundings," Christin told me. 

It transpired The Stonecutter's farm was a historical gem with roots dating back to the 19th century, an important era for limestone quarrying on Öland. The pair set about restoring the property, while being careful to maintain as much of the original features as possible. The garden has also been excavated and a wonderful pool added with views over the fields. In my mind, I'm already sipping a Pripps blå beer in one of those loungers!), not for too long though, as there's an island to explore.

"The surroundings are incredibly special, with the beautiful Stone Coast nature reserve a short bike ride away," Christin adds. With the renovation finally complete, the Stockholm-based family of five love to visit the island as much as possible year round. And now they've opened up the opportunity for others too! 

Let's take a peek inside. 

The sunroom / front porch and upstairs have been clad in wood panelling, while rattan furniture also adds to the relaxed vibe. 

Stacks of pebbles connect the interior with the nearby coast. 

The grey kitchen cabinets are designed to match the limestone surroundings. 

The master bedroom is just off the kitchen and is complete with a tiled masonry oven for cosy winter nights! 

The upstairs is made up of a sitting room area and second bedroom. 

The farmhouse is full of charming vintage finds. 

I love the upstairs bedroom; it looks so peaceful. The dark beams, bedspread, vase and vintage frame add contrast to the space. A simple clothes rail (glimpsed left) is all that's needed in a simple summer house! 

The pool I was talking about! 

What an idyllic cottage and such a perfect base from which to explore the island (I included it in my Baltic island hopping guide). 

Could you imagine spending your holiday here? You can find more information about The Stonecutters Farm and book your week on airbnb. It's also well worth following @thestonecuttersfarm on instagram for inspiration too! 

See also: 

A charming croft on the Swedish island of Öland

A Swedish cottage on its own island

Did I mention that the Swedish royal family also holidays on the island? You can visit Solliden Palace during your stay (one summer Prince Carl Philip of Sweden ran past me while out on a jog - I couldn't believe it - I did a double take!). Did you know he's a designer and was involved in the design of the Helix collection by Georg Jensen? 

Have a great start to the week, 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @thestonecuttersfarm with kind permission. 

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This Beautiful Danish Summer Cabin is on Airbnb!

I am not sure if you know that I write a regular feature for Simply Scandi UK. It's a quarterly magazine focusing on Scandinavian design, and I've had the pleasure of contributing for two years, writing about everything from Scandinavian culture to travel and more. My latest feature involves researching Airbnb's (it's a tough job, but someone has to do it!) and I've been stumbling across all kinds of beautiful properties, including this one! 

Located in Tisvilde, the cabin was designed in 1934 by a female relative of Kaare Klint - and although newly renovated - many of the original details shine through (as do items by Klint such as the safari chair and pendant and table lamps!). Visitors are invited to treat the cabin as a home from home in which to unwind beside the beautiful Tisvilde Hegn woodland, an hour North of Copenhagen. Feeling active? Tisvilde is a popular summer idyll among Copenhageners and boutique stores, farmshops, cafes and restaurants as well as a sandy beach are a short cycle ride away! 

I'm definitely adding this little cabin to my airbnb list, if you're visiting Denmark this summer, you might want to as well! Here's a peek inside. 

What a lovely cabin! I'm already sinking into one of those safari chairs - or cycling to the beach with the warm wind in my hair! How about you?

It would be perfect getaway to combine with a few days in Copenhagen - that way you'd get the best of both worlds. 

Find out more on airbnb here. 

Would you like to see a few more Danish summer cottages today? Here are some lovely ones I've featured in the past: 

A charming and relaxed Danish cabin by the sea

A white, light and airy cabin on a Danish island

A dreamy cabin by the sea

A little Danish cabin in the woods

Before and after: a rundown Danish cabin becomes a vibrant summer home

I hope this fills you with inspiration for the weekend! Have a great couple of days, and see you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks 

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Charming and Relaxed Boobialla Bungalow, Tasmania

This weekend I felt like spring was in the air in Malmö - even going as far as mentioning this in my instagram stories. What a mistake. We woke up this morning to a world blanketed in snow, yes friends, 'second winter' has arrived! I hope you'll forgive me for transporting us far south to a warmer climate on the blog today. 

There are several places on this earth that I have never been to, bit can imagine have a similar vibe to Sweden (although I could of course be wrong!). One day I'd love to visit Maine in the US, for example. But I am also drawn to Tasmania - there is something about the rugged, wild coastline and relaxed cabins I so often discover online. 

I've featured many holiday homes from the island in the past, and today stumbled across Boobialla Bungalow on the South Arm peninsula. A once forgotten 1930s shack, this charming and relaxed coastal hideout is a couple of minutes walk from the beach, and looks like a chilled base from which to explore the bay and beyond.

The majority of the furniture is vintage, adding to the chilled, un-polished vibe of the place. 

The mid blue helps to create a cosy atmosphere in the sitting room, and echoes the coastal location. 

A wood burning stove helps to heat the space in winter. 

The blue theme is continued in the bedroom. 

There's something about retro pink baths - my grandmother used to have one and this picture transported me straight back to my childhood! I love the combination with the dark green. 

Rather than grand outdoor seating around a fire, sometimes all you need is a few tree stumps! Speaking of which, are you ready for some outdoor inspiration soon? Even if there's snow on the ground right now here, I'm feeling confident spring is just around the corner (again!). 

Visiting Tasmania and fancy a stay here? Enquire more over at @airbnb and see more pictures at @boobiallabungalow. 

Take a peek at all the Tasmanian properties I've featured in this archive. 

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: Renee Thurston, shared with kind permission from Shawn / Boobialla Bungalow

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