Rustic Meets Industrial: A Unique Airbnb Escape in Skåne

I'm not going to lie, it’s Monday and I’m already daydreaming about the weekend. I recently stumbled across this Airbnb — a rugged, industrial hideaway that somehow still feels warm and totally inviting. Think wood, greenery, soft textiles… and a sauna with a view over an old Swedish quarry. 

The place is run by Martin and Andrew, who discovered the quarry by accident on a summer road trip and instantly fell in love. They eventually transformed the old manager’s house and the surrounding buildings into a peaceful little escape tucked into the Skåne countryside. Now they live in the main house and rent out the guest spaces — and it looks like the perfect spot to disappear for a few days, breathe, and soak up some nature.

If you’re craving a quiet escape with a bit of character (and a lot of charm), this quarry retreat might just be the weekend break you didn’t know you needed. Ready to take a look?

Very industrial and different! And such a fun place to escape to! 

There are quite a lot of unique touches in this home - I love how different it is. 

Could you imagine heading off here for the weekend? 

In case you're visiting this neck of the woods sometime soon, you might also like to dream about these stays: 

A Swedish lakeside cabin retreat
A charming holiday home in Österlen

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Quarry Compound, with thanks.

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A Charming Holiday Home in Österlen, Sweden’s Summer Escape

My younger sister and her family are currently island-hopping in Greece, and every now and again she FaceTimes me all excited, ready to give me a real-time video tour of her Airbnb. I absolutely love these virtual tours – not least because they transport me straight from my desk to the shores of the Ionian Sea – but also because they remind me how much it matters to find a holiday home you truly love. It can honestly make or break a trip, do you agree?

That’s why I hunt high and low before booking our own stays. And since I so often receive questions about where to stay in Sweden, I thought I’d share a gem with you today.

Österlen is an area in southeastern Skåne, in South Sweden, known for its rolling countryside, sandy beaches, whitewashed fishing villages, apple orchards, and rich cultural history. Long beloved by artists, it has a special light and creative atmosphere that draws painters, writers and makers year after year.

This particular holiday home, named Försammlingshemmet in Fågeltofta, is charming – with old beams, walls rich in patina, and interesting colours (think deep forest, raspberry and earthy tones). There’s a wonderfully comfy-looking four-poster bed, a pool to cool off in on warm days, and serene views across the Österlen landscape.

One to bookmark for next summer, perhaps?

Lovely!

I’ve also been reading a lot about Scandinavia being the new “coolcation” – the perfect antidote to increasingly hot summers in central Europe.

Summers here can indeed be wonderfully mild, usually around 18–25°C (68–77 °F) in July (the height of summer in Northern Europe). Of course, you can be a tad unlucky too – in which case we’re all dreaming of a last-minute trip south… or digging our knits back out of winter storage!

Have you been on holiday to Scandinavia? If so, I’d love to hear about where you went!

If you're planning on coming south, you can find this home on Airbnb here. 

I have also shared a ton of other beautiful Airbnb's in the past. 

Would you like to see some other homes in Österlen? Here are a few of my favourites: 

My friend Karen's lovely summer house 
Marianne's Swedish country escape
A 19th century cottage where past meets the present
The home of an architect

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb / Församlingshemmet, shared with thanks.

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A Cosy 1800s Cottage Stay in Kullaberg, Sweden

Hej! How are you lovely people today?

A little while ago, I shared a guide to Helsingborg – a city close to my heart, not only because my husband is from there, but also because my father-in-law lives in a charming fishing village nearby, in the Kullaberg area. This beautiful peninsula is brimming with creatives, cosy cafés, great eateries, and spectacular cliff walks. If you’re planning a trip to southern Sweden, it’s an absolute must. And as luck would have it, I think I’ve just found the perfect Airbnb for you too!

This cosy stay is called Villa Mandelgren – a wonderfully peaceful half-timbered cottage dating back to the 1800s. With two charming bedrooms layered with textures and warmth, it makes the perfect hideaway for a small group or family. Nestled right on nature’s doorstep yet still close to Höganäs – the coastal town I featured in my guide – it makes for a great base. 

When I stumbled across it, I couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps stylist Marie Olsson Nylander (whose home I featured here many moons ago) or artist Sara Bergman (who also lives in Nyhamnsläge and has appeared on the pages of MSH) might have had a hand in the decor. Or maybe there’s simply another local with a great eye for design – combining earthy tones, rich textures, and a soft touch of femininity.

Either way, this Airbnb is definitely one to bookmark for future trips – and such lovely inspiration for autumn interiors too!

The beams make all the difference, I think – adding so much to the overall cosiness. I’m curious though – have any of you ever knocked through a ceiling to reveal beams? If so, how tricky was it to do (asking for a friend ;)?

I also love the floral bed covers – they bring such a lovely touch of femininity and softness to the space. So often rental homes can feel a little sparse in the photos, but this one strikes just the right balance: calm and pared back enough for you to add your own personality, yet cosy enough to feel instantly at home.

Can you imagine staying here? If so, you can check out the booking on Airbnb here.

And if you’re planning a trip to Sweden, don’t miss my guide to Helsingborg, Helsingør, and Kullaberg!

I absolutely loved reading all your comments last week! It was a bit of a crazy one on our side with a full work week and a birthday in the house (thank you so much for all your kind wishes for Liv!). This evening I have a long train ride home from Formland in Jutland, Denmark, and I’m looking forward to replying to them all then. Which reminds me if you'd like to hear about the latest interior trend and news from the cool Danes, checkout my instagram stories over the next 24 hours to follow my day here! 

Wishing you an underbart start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks. 

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Scandinavian Summer Escape: Stay in This Lovely Liseleje Cottage by the Sea

I often get emails asking for tips on places to visit and where to stay in Scandinavia — and I’m always happy to help! As you might have noticed, I even enjoy scouring the web for beautiful holiday rentals. After all, for those of us who are passionate about design, where we stay is just as important as the adventure itself.

Today, I have a real gem in Denmark to share with you. Owned by Henrik Walentin, this charming thatched cottage in Liseleje is where tradition and character meet in perfect harmony. Every room is thoughtfully curated, creating a space that feels both personal and inspiring. What really stood out to me is the use of colour — it’s subtle enough to feel calm and restful, yet brings just the right amount of energy and vibrancy to each space.

The garden is lovely, but it’s the sunroom that really captures the magic (as you’ll know from the homes I often feature here!). It’s the perfect spot to read a book, play games, or enjoy a meal bathed in natural light — even when the skies are grey.

Liseleje itself is a delightful town to explore, with winding lanes, local markets, and — best of all — a beautiful white sandy beach just a short stroll away. Henrik tells me there are still a couple of weeks available this summer, although you might need to be quick!

Let’s see what's in store.

Charming!

Henrik has a wonderful eye for detail (I've been following his instagram for quite some time now - do take a look if you love this thatched cottage). 

Is there anything specific that caught your eye? 

Could you imagine making yourself home here for a few weeks this summer? If so, you can find the listing here. 

You can find plenty more beautiful holiday homes in this archive (hop over this one if it comes up first - unless of course you'd like to take the tour all over again!). 

On another note, I have been writing some interesting pieces for IKEA lately, the latest of which is about a wonderful little rug called RAKLEV which has stood the test of time for good reason. If you'd like to read my piece and hear from the designer behind it, take a look here. 

Thanks so much for stopping by as always. 

Kram!

Niki

Photography Henrik Walentin, featured on Landfolk. 

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