Dreaming of a Second Home on a Tight Budget? How About This!

I felt like sharing something completely different today. I hope you up for that! I've been reading a lot about how the current situation has us all dreaming about second homes. A simple home from home a few hours from where we live - no matter how tiny the space. That might come in the form of a 'hytte' in the Fjordlands of Norway, a 'bothy' in the Scottish Highlands or simply a cabin at the end of your garden in London. 

But since researching a new 'attefall' for our summer cottage garden I've realised that costs can quickly escalate. So much so, that a second home is simply out of reach for many. And then I remembered Emma's home in Gotland with the guest caravan! Could this be the perfect solution? You might already be a caravan owner, in which case you're already sold but if you're not, hear me out! Firstly, there are many vintage / second-hand caravans on the market for a song, secondly, they're easy to transport (and can be parked at the end of your garden / in your driveway AND finally - with a little imagination, they can make the perfect little second home! 

Not convinced? Take a look at 'Plenty' Caravan in Victoria, Australia. The Franklin van has been transformed inside and out to create a cosy peach and white home from home, complete with a bedroom, kitchenette and even a woodturning stove - with romantic views over Apollo Bay. 

Pretty cool, don't you think? 

Perhaps this could be something for our summer cottage garden instead? I quite fancy doing up a caravan! 

Has this given you food for thought too? 

If you could imagine spending your weekend here - soaking with a glass of fine wine from nearby Otway Estate Vineyard, you'll be happy to hear Plenty caravan is available to rent via Airbnb (one to add to the travel files for when we're ready to roam once again!).

Looking for more 'second home' inspiration on a budget? Take a peek at your very own garden retreat on a shoestring budget , a lovely Swedish Outhouse in 25 m2, the world's smallest luxury home, a dingy garage become a bright guesthouse and a tiny Danish cabin that's big on style.

I'd love to hear about other unusual / creative second homes you've seen! 

Perhaps that home from home is in reach after all?!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Plenty caravan / Airbnb.

READ MORE...

7

A Swedish Summer Cottage in a Former Mission House

On Friday I shared my love for the Gothenburg archipelago with a feature of my ten favourite islands. But we all know that I also have another favourite island: Gotland! The Baltic paradise captured my heart last summer when we sailed the east coast and not a month goes by when I don't dream about owning a holiday home there! My latest find is this former Mission House in Martebo. When you see the main living space, I have a feeling you might just be dreaming about it too! Despite some modernisation, the wonderful house still features many of the well-preserved original 1930s details and even offers a wood fired sauna! Ready to dream?

Can you also imagine throwing open those big glass doors on a summers day and tucking into breakfast overlooking the fields? 

Little wonder this property is currently in a bidding war between potential buyers, all of whom are willing to renovate the kitchen and bedrooms and transform it into a dreamy holiday home!

Shall we re-visit a few other beautiful houses on Gotland today? 

This rustic cottage with a pool is available to rent via Airbnb (something for next summer?!).

I love how serene and earthy this holiday home is. 

And this bohemian summer house belonging to a fashion photographer has always been a favourite of mine. 

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Fastighetsybyrån Gotland. 

READ MORE...

3

Cosy Hide-away: The Butcher's House

Just taking a little time out from my virtual holiday in Tasmania to share this beauty of a house with you. For those of you who are not a regular reader, I have a slight obsession with 'Tassie' right now and sharing my third holiday house in as many weeks (see also a cosy hideaway by the sea and the whale song shack). But as I said last time, a girl can dream. And when we can travel to far-flung places, The Butchers House in Bothwell will be on my itinerary (it's looking like we'll need to spend several months in 'Tas' at this rate!). I've wisened up to the fact that it's winter there right now (thank you newly acquired Tasmanian friends!) - but I'd be quite happy to read a book by the fire in this humble heritage cottage dating back to the mid 1800s, before taking a nice long soak in this lion claw tub with a glass of Tasmanian Pinot! There's even a fireplace in the bedroom for the cosiest night sleep ever! Ready to dream? Step this way! 

Have I got you dreaming today too? I sure hope so. A little escapism is a fine thing! 

Find out more about booking your stay at The Butcher's House here. 

And here are three other incredible hideaways in and around Tasmania: 

Captain's Cottage

A relaxed artist's cabin by the sea

Your very own dream island hideaway

I'm so excited to share my guide of the Gothenburg Archipelagos with you tomorrow. Sweden's West Coast is my favourite place on earth, and having sailed there for over sixteen years, I felt it was finally time to share some snapshots - and ten of the best islands to visit! I hope you're going to feel inspired!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Butcher's House with thanks.

READ MORE...

2

A Cosy Hideaway By The Sea

OK I admit it, I'm currently obsessed with Tasmania. Could it be my itchy feet? Or perhaps it's because I keep on stumbling across incredible holiday homes on the island! One thing is for certain though, I need to visit one day! Locals tell me that it's quite chilly there right now (a quick look at the forecast and I see it's hovering around 9 degrees Celsius - brrrr!) but I'm perfectly willing to weather the cold by the fire in this wonderful hide-away -and once you see these pictures, I'm pretty sure you'll feel the same! The Burrows overlooks Great Oyster Bay and is filled with eclectic treasures, bespoke finds and original artworks. Owners Bek and Paul welcome airbnb guests and other visitors to come and enjoy the slower pace of life and rugged coastline, and who are we to decline?!  Ready to dream? You're in the right place!

Isn't it beautiful?

Could you imagine chilling here for a week or two? 

Obviously, we can't travel right now - and a trip to this wonderful place might be a long time coming, BUT there's still a load of inspiration to take away from this lovely cabin. For starters, it makes me want to spend my entire weekend scouring the local loppis (flea market) for vintage finds, and then paint one of the bedrooms a darker shade. I'm also considering more of a built-in daybed in the window nook. Hmmmm. Suddenly there's lots to do! 

Do you feel inspired too? 

See more pictures and find out more about booking a stay over at The Burrows.

Speaking of trips... I'm currently in Copenhagen for the 3 days of Design (although I'll only be here for the day). It feels so amazing to be back in one of my favourite cities - Danish design heaven! Take a peek at my instagram stories for updates if you're curious!

Niki

Photography Adam Gibson, courtesy of The Burrows. 

READ MORE...

4

Step Inside The 'Whale Song Shack' With A Dreamy Ocean View

The routine has started - which feels a little like work - home - work - home - work - home, interspersed with crazy early mornings where the kids can't find their gym kit / homework / bike keys - aaaagh! This could explain the copious amounts of getaways I've been sharing from the Southern Hemisphere lately. I mean, who wouldn't rather be reading a book in a cabin overlooking the sea right now?! And this one in Tasmania had me at the name: Whale Song Shack. Originally built by a local fisherman, the cabin has been transformed into a breath-taking holiday home where you can watch whales migrate, gannets dive and fish and fishing boats haul their catch from the window.  Inside, the whitewashed interior is deliberately pared back - with wood details and vintage finds adding plenty of warmth - or when the temperatures really dip, there's a wonderful stone fireplace! Ready to dream? 

 

Meet you there?

I've been contemplating writing another book lately - could you imagine what an incredible writer's retreat this would make? Gaaah! Amazing! For now, of course, it's all about staying put, but a girl can dream, right?! I hope this cabin has you dreaming today too - and given you a spark of mid-week inspiration for your own home!

See more photos and find more information about the wonderful Whale Song Shack (love their instagram too!). 

 Here are a few other cabins I dream about daily: 

The Soot House - log cabin inspired by the rugged landscape

Cosy weekend escape: Warner's Camp

Charming lakeside cabin

The Shack on Bruny Island

And nearer home, my friends' cabin: 

Our weekend in a cabin in the calm of the forest

Have a happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Whale Song Shack including photographs by Marnie Hawson and Kate T.

READ MORE...

14