A Cosy Cottage Escape in the French countryside

Hello there friends, how are you getting on? I’m not going to lie, January in Malmö is not my favourite time of the year. The world is devoid of colour (I sent a picture to my sister in Mallorca the other day and she thought I’d put a black and white filter on it!!), and it’s really cold and raw. Hence, why I have been dreaming of cute places to stay far and wide. A mental escape if you like. And that’s what led me to this cosy and charming little cottage.

Aptly named La Petite Maison, the stone cottage is tucked away in the peaceful countryside of the Percheron region in Normandy, France, part of the picturesque Parc Naturel Régional du Perche. Here, we're told, you can truly slow down, enjoy panoramic views over rolling fields and woodlands, and step into a world of simple, rustic beauty — everything from the cosy wood-burning stove to the carefully curated décor feels like it was picked with love.

Owned and lovingly restored by a couple who fell head over heels for this corner of French rural life — and who live on the same property in the larger La Grande Maison — this little guest house was created so that visitors can experience the “Perche Effect”: that calm, gentle rhythm of life that only the countryside seems to offer. Every detail of La Petite Maison reflects their passion for this slice of France, from the antique-found décor to the quiet garden just outside your door. Bienvenue! 

Charming in every way — and just the virtual escape I needed on this grey winter day. How about you?

If you’d like to see more pictures — or even enquire about a booking (hey, why not? I don’t think any of us would regret that choice!) — head on over to Perche Effect.

On a brighter note, my day is actually very exciting as I’m at a photoshoot in Copenhagen, at a studio called The Lab, capturing a new collection for a client. It’s an amazing place, absolutely brimming with Danish creativity. I’ll see if I can share a few pictures on my Instagram stories — I hope you’re also up to something fun today.

If you fancy lingering for a while, you might like to delve into these tours:

A pretty, Swedish run b&b in the south of france
A Swede's lovely vintage-inspired home in the south of france
A stunning French country home filled with antiques
A swedish photographer and French hat-makers charming home

Have a lovely day, folks!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Perche Effect, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

22

A Cotswolds Country House with Peaceful Views Over the Hills

Do you live in your “forever home”? A place you’ve finally landed, fallen in love with, and can’t imagine ever leaving?

Our home in Malmö feels more transient. It’s wonderfully close to the sea and the city, and perfectly suited to our little family right now. But I can imagine that one day we might move — perhaps to an old cottage by the coast, or even abroad. Our summer cottage, though, will always be our true forever home. Inherited from Per’s grandfather, it’s a place we hope our children will one day love and share with their own families.

I could also imagine this extraordinary 17th-century Grade II listed Cotswold house being someone's forever home. Set high above the rolling hills of the Five Valleys, with architecture spanning the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it offers atmospheric, character-filled living spaces that feel both magical and relaxed. It’s the kind of home where you can kick off your wellies, light the fire, and enjoy a proper cup of tea — surrounded by dog hair, children racing through rooms, and the quiet comfort of lived-in beauty.

That’s why it’s hard to believe it’s for sale, especially when so much thought has gone into the kitchen, art, antiques and colour choices, all coming together in a laid-back, creative and deeply personal way. But perhaps that’s also the opportunity. Could this be your next forever home? If Thursdays aren't for a little dreaming, what are they for? Let's take the tour!

I am a huge fan of curtains - as a window dressing, to keep the draught out by the front door, as a room divider and to cover storage. All you need is a simple rail and that's it! 

Have you noticed the big return of the larder in recent years? So handy! Extra marks if it is painted in another hue - like this one (or the one seen in Natalie's Malmö kitchen!). 

A roaring fire anywhere in the home is lovely, but in the kitchen? Simply wonderful! 

Accents of deep blue, earthy green, blush and yellow really add to the richness of the home. 

I grew up with a chest-of-drawers that looked exactly like this one in my childhood bedroom. Getting a pair of socks out took a whole deal of shuffling, teasing and whatever means - not good if you're already running late for school. Still, they sure do look pretty! 

The checks, rustic bench and art deco lamp in the bathroom are yet another example of how the owners have gone a little 'off piste' and added quirky touches that break away from the traditional country home. 

Such a fascinating home - there's no denying the beauty of the architecture. 

I am so looking forward to hearing your thoughts below! 

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

Exploring a soulful Cotswolds home
Anita's cosy little home in the Cotswolds (before and after)
An idyllic red and white Swedish farmhouse
Five Danish country homes to love

I hope you have a cosy weekend! See you Tuesday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks

READ MORE...

17

Exploring a Soulful 18th-Century Cotswolds Home

Veering off course today – hey, it’s Friday! Sharing a home tour outside of Scandinavia is my new rock ’n’ roll, and honestly, it’s about as wild as I get these days (at least that's what I tell my teenagers ;). But this isn’t just any home – oh no. This is the archetypal English dream house.

Set in the rolling hills of Gloucestershire, overlooking the breathtaking Five Valleys region, this beauty lies within the Cotswolds National Park. Built in 1720, it has a magnificent limestone façade – the kind you might expect to see in a Hollywood Christmas film, complete with a dusting of snow and twinkling lights.

One of the first things I noticed – and I don’t know if this is just a British thing or not – is that the main front door of these grand old homes is often purely for show. There’s nearly always a side or back door that sees all the real action. I say this because, firstly, in this house the front door opens straight into the sitting room (with nowhere to hang your coat or kick off your boots!), and secondly, at both my grandparents’ and my parents’ homes we never used the front door. In fact, I’m not even sure we could open my grandma’s front door without a bit of a battle – it was wedged in so tightly!

Anyway, once inside, there are all kinds of delights waiting. Oh, to have those wonderfully higgledy-piggledy floors and walls, with one step up here and another down there! It’s the perfect foundation for a home brimming with soul, brought to life through playful modern touches and little bursts of surprise – think jewel-yellow pendants, a red chair, an orange desk lamp – all of which create a charming juxtaposition against the property's timeless heritage. 

So, come on – follow me through the back door, and let’s take a tour!

So lovely! 

I absolutely love this home (you know I am a real sucker for old houses), but I also love the dots of colour, which are not overly done, but just enough to add personality, a contemporary twist and interest to each room. 

I'd love to hear about your impressions below.

Is it Ok if we complete the week with a tour of a few more beautiful English homes? Why not pour another coffee and check out: 

A 17th century english farmhouse

Global soul, english heart in a London townhouse

A cosy cliffside hideaway in Devon

Step inside the cosy world of a collector

A beautiful home in Nottinghamshire

Thank you so much for stopping by this little corner of the web—and for all your comments and emails—always great to read! Have a great weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks. 

READ MORE...

23