A Swedish Duplex With Historic Features and Vintage Finds

I have to admit, when I was little I dreamed of owning a big house - one with a huge garden, containing a tennis court and pool (preferably with a waterslide going from my bedroom to the pool)! Did you have similar ideas? The dream has thankfully faded over the years! And after building our little 30 m2 / 323 f2 cabin, I truly understood that the tiniest of spaces can feel the cosiest - and our family is at its happiest and most content. 

If I were to move home today, I'd be looking for something fairly small with beautiful historical features, and I'd also take note of how the light falls in each room. In fact, this Swedish duplex apartment is pjust the ticket!  

Granted, it's by no means small (it measures 101 m2 / 1087 f2), but with a ceiling height of 4.35 metres, beautiful wood beams dating back to 1912 and lots of cosy nooks, it has everything I love! And Idon't get me started on the wonderful array of very cool furniture, art and accessories too! Did I also mention it's located in an area called 'Midsommarkransen' (meaning 'midsummer crown')? Be still, beating heart!

Glossary: vardagsrum - living room, kök - kitchen, badrum - bathroom, sovrum - bedroom, sov / TV Rum - bedroom / TV room.

How lovely! I've been going through the pictures so many times eying up all the vintage pieces, lamps (does anyone know where the table lamp in the kitchen comes from), funky chairs and design classics. 

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

See more pictures over at Historiska Hem and more duplex apartments here: 

Dramatic contrast in former stables in Norway

A serene Stockholm apartment in neutrals

A relaxed boho apartment in Sweden

Have a happy mid-week - I hope the sun is shining where you are too! 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography - Lina Östling, Styling - Olivia Lind for Historiska Hem

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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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A Charming Croft on the Swedish Island of Öland

Tjena! How is life treating you today? Malmö is bathed in sunshine and it's hard not to cast our minds to warm summer days when we'll be able to sit outdoors with bare arms! A few summers ago, my family and I sailed in the Baltic, stopping at various islands including Öland. And today, I'm excited to provide a glimpse into a pretty cottage on the island. 

Located in Glömminge on the west coast, picturesque Rohallatorpet once appeared in a German calendar featuring typical Swedish crofts. Dating back to 1886, the property was in total disrepair when the pair bought it in 2019 and has since gone through a total renovation while ensuring the history of the house remained intact. Today, it's listed on Bonanza Location - a newly launched film and media location agency co-founded by Sofie Izard Höyer - a friend whose beautiful home I once featured here. 

When Julia Nilsson and her partner aren't busy with renovation projects, they love to look out at the meadows where deer graze on the pastures. Or wander down to the sea a mere 500 metres away for a dip. 

Ready to take the tour? 

So beautiful! I love the deeper earthy shades and the vintage and antique finds (especially that repurposed overhead rack for wine glasses in the kitchen!). 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

If you have any questions about something you see in these pictures, give me a shout and I'll do my best to source it for you! You might also find the info you're looking for over at @rohallatorpet, where Julia shares her latest DIY projects and before and after pictures! 

Oh, and why not check out my guide to island hopping in the Baltic - which includes Öland. It's a beautiful part of the world, perhaps it will inspire you to visit one day! And don't miss the tour of an Öland cottage by the sea which was for sale a few years back. 

Finally, if you're looking for a location for film or media in Sweden, check out Bonanza Location. They are also looking for new listings both in Sweden and abroad (if abroad list it under 'Skåne' for now). Sofie tells me, it's free to list your property in 2023! 

Have a great start to the week, I hope the sun is shining where you are too! 

Niki

Photography and styling Pontuz Löfgren  courtesy of @rohallatorpet

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A Charming Swedish Family Home in the South of France

Tjena! It's long been known that Swedes love their summer cottages - usually somewhere rural and near water for morning dips. But when you can enjoy a summer cottage lifestyle year-round like Kristin Lagerqvist does at her home in Varberg, West Sweden - a holiday home needs to offer something different. And Kristin and her family, found their paradise in Languedoc-Roussillon, Southeast France. True to Kristin's signature style, the home is decorated with local vintage and flea market finds and earthy tones which look beautiful beside the original French floor tiles and architecture of the old town house. On warmer days, life moves up to a rooftop terrace with a dining area and daybed. Bienvenue!

How lovely!! 

And what a wonderful change of scene! They must feel like they've really landed when they arrive. And I bet there's no end to the enjoyment Kristin gets from those French antique markets and curiosity stores. magnifique! 

Her house is charming too, pared back, relaxed, full of charm!

Is there anything that stands out to you? 

See more pictures of Kristin's home in Varberg and house in France here. She also has a wonderful boutique and offers inspiring workshops here. 

Would you like to take a peek inside a few other homes in France belonging to Swedes? 

A Swedish photographer and French hatmakers home in France

A Swedish bed & breakfast in France

A Swedish family home in the French alps

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography Kristin Lagerqvist - shared with kind permission 

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