Getaway From it all at a Lakeside Cottage in Sweden

A few weeks ago I featured Anna Starrén's wonderfully unique, floating cottage, built on a lake in the Swedish countryside by her husband Martin. Since then, Anna and I realised we have a good mutual friend in common (Sweden is so small sometimes!). But, more interestingly to you, I also discovered Anna runs an airbnb!

Yep, you can actually stay at her lakeside paradise in the village of Sjötofta, Västra Götaland county. The red, white and yellow guesthouse is setback from the main cottage and has it's own terrace overlooking the woods. The charming, simple interior has everything you might need for a weekend away and in the morning you can look forward to freshly laid eggs  - and a dip in the lake. Oh, and there's also a hot tub and sauna to enjoy. 

Time to clear the calendar? Here's what's in store: 

Just my kind of getaway! Could you imagine chilling here too? 

More info / booking details on Airbnb. And you can see more of Anna's lovely life over at @annastarren and find out more about her workshops, events and floristry here. 

Keen to discover other cottages available to rent in Sweden? Here are a couple I've featured in the past: 

Enjoy a stay at a former schoolhouse by a lake

A rustic cottage on the island of Gotland

Or why not book yourself into Stedsans? Another list you might find handy if you're planning a visit is my feature on 20 instagrammable places to stay in Sweden. 

While I'm at it, I could as well share my Swedish travel guides: 

20 things to do in Malmö in wintertime

4 day tour to Helsingborg, Helsingør and Kullaberg

10 islands to visit on Sweden's west coast

A guide to Swedish island hopping in the Baltic

Right, that's it from me this week. 

Trevlig helg! See you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Anna Starrén, sheered with kind permission. 

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Elsa's Inspiring Summer Cottage on the Swedish Island of Gotland

Following the Danish cabin I featured the other day, I took your feedback on continuing with the Scandinavian summer cottages this autumn as a green light! 

There are some people whose style just resonates with you immediately - and for me, one of those people is Elsa Billgren. The Swedish TV presenter, fashion and interior stylist and author of the book The Key to the Home: decor, friends, and the food we share, co-produced with Sofia Wood, Elsa and her family 

divides her time between Stockholm (take a tour of her lovely apartment) and the incredible Baltic island of Gotland. 

And I'm excited to share a peek inside the living room, bedroom and bathroom of the latter today. Rustic, calm and pared down, the family cottage in Ljugarn is a wash with subtle off-white tones, surfaces rich in patina and one-off pieces, making it a perfect place to unwind and recharge surrounded by the rugged nature of Gotland. Step this way! 

Pendant 'Liv' light by Klong, sofa from meli meli, rug: Cappelin Dimyr

Elsa found the wall mounted sculpture at a Salvation Army store. The fruit sculpture is from Ala Gård, Gotland. 

Source a similar kinetic mobile here*, mantis wall lamp, white linen curtains*

The island of Gotland and Fårö is absolutely amazing! It's one of my favourite Swedish islands, and we've sailed to quite a few. See my Baltic island hopping guide here! 

And just how lovely are these rooms in Elsa's cottage? See more from snapshots from her city and island life here. 

I've shared many more homes from the island in the past - mostly with a rustic touch, all beautiful. Here's a small selection to get you started: 

A converted schoolhouse on the Swedish island of Gotland

A 19th century house, ready for summer

A rustic summer cottage on the island of Gotland'

Have you been to Gotland? If not, it's definitely one to add to your travel bucket list! 

See you Friday friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Elsa Billgren, shared with kind permission. 

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A Light and Airy Danish Cabin by The Sea

A few weeks back I told myself it was time to wrap up the Scandinavian summer cottage posts and return to the city or year-round country homes. But you know me, I'm never one to stick to the rules - especially my own! I couldn't resist sharing this charming, simple Danish cabin with you today. The wooden structure is situated in a cosy, untouched area on the southern tip of Falster, an island in south-east Denmark. 

Zine bought the cabin in 2020 and has been busy transforming it into a simple, relaxing, light and airy place to spend weekends and holidays. As with most Scandi getaways, mix and match 'loppis' (flea market) finds, open storage and a cosy spot in the sun are the order of the day. Enjoy the tour! 

Despite being potentially a little higher maintenance with the dusting, open shelving gives kitchens a relaxed grab and go feel and also means that your porcelain and vases can be a part of the decor! 

Coffee beans and percolators - the most important items in any Scandinavian home! Remember to make it extra strength! 

Stripes and art with nautical motives are a subtle nod to the coastal location. 

Le Klint Sax - A popular Danish lamp, for good reason! 

When designing our own cabin, I was very much inspired by Danish cabins with high, wood panelled walls and ceilings and a stark black wood burning stove (ours is from Contura and looks similar to this). I love the contrast, the statement chimney but also the promise of warmth! 

I also love the parquet floor; it makes me feel really nostalgic as we had a similar one in my childhood home. Some of the pieces had become loose and I used to pick it a part and then build things with it. I don't think that gamer was particularly popular with my parents. 

Baskets are really handy at a cottage like this - and make pretty wall decor when not in use! There are so many beautiful vintage baskets available on Etsy*. 

I am guessing you can enjoy this cabin year-round thanks to the wood burning stove and insulation (thinking blustery walks along the beach followed by a coffee by the fire!). 

And the good news is, it's 1 hr 45 mins drive from Copenhagen and available for short term holiday lets! Danish island life, anyone? 

See more snapshots from Zine's cabin here. 

Would you like to explore other Danish cabins and country homes this weekend? Take a look at: 

The idyllic thatched cottage of a Danish artist

Before and after: a century old Danish cottage is given a revamp

A Danish cabin by the sea became a lockdown haven 

Right guys, that's it from me. I hope you've enjoyed the tours this week of three very different properties (did you see the artist's home in Kent and Copenhagen apartment).

Have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Landfolk. 

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Anna and Martin's Tiny Handbuilt Cottage Floating on a Swedish Lake

"I've never tried that before, so I'm sure I'll manage it" - so said Pippi Longstocking, and these are the words Swedish florist Anna Starrén and her husband Martin live by. Martin had always dreamed of building a floating cottage from which to explore the lake beside their country home. And when his friend passed away, he put all his effort into turning his dream into a reality. Read on to discover more! 

The starting point was to build a floating pontoon (measuring 5 x 10 metres), upon which the little red and white cottage (measuring 4 x 3.5 metres) was built.  The pontoon is attached to the mainland using a series of mooring lines. 

The house has everything you might need for a relaxing day by the lake including a sleep loft, sauna, isolated floor, wifi, fridge, gas stove, shower, water converter, shower, dry loo, binoculars, bird book, ceramics for 10!, a coffee maker and an anchor! 

Oil lamps are dotted around the little cottage, providing light and heat. The cottage is also powered by 2 x 160 solar panels and a 3x 90 amp battery. 

The kitchen, sofa and ladder have all been hand built to fit the space. 

Anna says: "building this house is one of the best things we've ever done, it's become our year-round refuge."

Come winter, the lake freezes over and the little cottage becomes a perfect spot for ice bathing. 

A whole is cut into the ice so that they can still take a dip after a sauna. 

BRRRRR! 

Could you imagine winter bathing like this? 

If you're ever in Sweden during winter, you must try it - it's such a crazy yet wonderful experience (especially afterwards once you're all wrapped up warm again and nursing a mug off glögg!). Studies have shown it has numerous health benefits! 

See Anna's inspiring instagram feed @starrensannan for more pictures of the floating cottage, as well as their main house. You might also like to stop by Anna's homepage for more information about her work as a florist and upcoming workshops (how I'd love to do one of those - I wonder if she holds any at the floating cottage?). 

Would you like to see a few other unusual properties today? 

I love how a swedish couple transformed a Mercedes sprinter into a camper van and also this lovely little off-grid house on wheels is so inspiring! 

Happy lillördag! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Anna Starrén with thanks 

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