Old Meets New in a Cottage in South Moravia

"Time slowly passing, homely comfort and instead of a television, only a huge window with a view of the garden." This is how Marika and Jirka - food bloggers and authors of cookbook The Kitchen Story, describe life at their cottage in a small South Moravian village. 

It all started with a simple wish: "to switch off for a while, escape from everyday life and just be at peace." The pair were looking for somewhere they could getaway from the city and gather with friends and family without distraction. And they fell instantly in love with Chalupa mez sklepy. 

The cottage required so much work that in the end it became a re-build, but the couple were determined to maintain the rural character and style (keep an eye out for wooden windows and floors, stone lintels and an exterior designed in collaboration with Adéla Lipar Kudrnova and Petra Stein). 

Today, Marika and Jirka love coming here with friends and family (it sleeps up to 10) - and also rent it out as a guesthouse for others to enjoy. Let's take a look around. 

Wow! I think this is the first home I have featured from the Czech Republic, which makes it entirely unique to me. I love the tones of rust red, pale blue and cream - which match the colours of the village.  And I also appreciate how Marika and Jirka have combined a modern feel with a rich historical touch from the region, all while keeping the look simple, understated and comfy looking. 

Was there anything that stood out to you about this lovely home? 

You can see more pictures over on their instagram @chalupa_mezi_sklepy and find out more about booking the property as a holiday home here. 

You know what's coming, don't you? Yep, I found another home tour from the Czech Republic that I've featured in the past! Take a peek at: a Scandi-inspired home in the Czech Republic in soothing neutrals. 

Other connections on My Scandinavian Home include a beautiful Swedish home featuring a mural by an artist from the Czech Republic. And also, I feel very honoured that my Lagom book is available in Czech too! 

Have you been to the Czech Republic? I haven't, but it's certainly on my wish list! 

Have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @chalupa_mezi_sklepy, shared with kind permission. 

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St Oak - a Dreamy Apartment and Holiday Home Near Berlin

Do you recognise the signature style in the picture above? Maybe this beautiful kitchen in a former schoolhouse, this Berlin apartment and country house or this charming cottage in Österlen, Sweden might provide a clue. 

Yep, Laura and Nora of Our Food Stories fame have been weaving their magic again. And this time it's in the form of St Oak Apartments in the charming town of Kyritz, North of Berlin. The pair started the renovation last February and now the loft is open for bookings! 

When it comes to beautiful design, they've certainly left no stone unturned. Not only does the 160 sq.m. (1722 ft.sq) apartment have a dreamy DeVol kitchen (the girls are chefs so they certainly know a thing or two about kitchens!), the apartment is full of Scandi design favourites including pieces from Frama, New Works and &Tradition. 

Laura and Nora tell me that the town is lovely and calm and there's a lake nearby for swimming and boating. So, I might just have to pay a visit soon. 

Take the tour to see if you might be tempted too! 

It looks like a trip to Germany might be in order, do you agree? 

Discover more about this beautiful apartment and book your stay here. 

To find out more about the furniture, head on over to @st.oak_apartments on instagram. You can also see other renovations over at @_designtales_. 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of St Oak Apartments, shared with kind permission. 

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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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