Great Stays: A Rustic Hideaway Surrounded by Rolling Hills

Feel like getting away from it all? This wonderful rustic hideaway is available through Airbnb! Set high up on rolling hills, The Wensley is architecturally designed with an Oregon and Ironbark timber exterior and offers everything you might need to switch off - including cosy sofas with panoramic views, a fully equipped kitchen, and a wonderful indoor and outdoor bathroom (my eyes are on that zinc tub!) - all with a timber and stone touch to emulate the surroundings. Such beautiful work by Lisa Buxton Interiors! OK, there might be a slight catch (at least for the time being) - it's in Wensleydale, around one and half hours from Melbourne, Australia! Yikes! But that shouldn't stop us from dreaming about a future stay, right? 

In my mind, I'm already soaking in that tub - the odd kangaroo hopping passed. Heaven! 

Could you imagine staying here?

If you'd like to do a little more mid-week 'escape' dreaming, here are some other places I'd love to stay at one day:

A Swedish weatherboard cottage in South Australia

A bohemian hideaway in the desert, in USA

A rustic summer cottage on the Swedish island of Gotland

A dreamy Scandinavian-inspired ski chalet in whitefish, USA

An earthy pool villa in Bali

A Swedish run B&B in the South of France

Do any of these capture your imagination? 

Wishing you a fabulous mid-week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Wensley

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Dream Airbnb Stay: A Swedish Weatherboard Cottage In South Australia

"She who comes here, finds what's lost." This is the opening line on the 'about' page of My Sister & the Sea'. And looking at the pictures of this beautiful white weatherboard cottage and its surroundings, I can well imagine it's true! The little cottage is owned by sisters Sarah and Emma who have enjoyed endless family holidays here with 'sandy feet, long meals, naps on daybeds, swimming.... dreaming, laughing and loving." Nestled in the small town of Marion Bay on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, the cottage was actually moved from Sweden by the Australian government many years ago. The sisters visited Sweden together to draw as much inspiration as possible for the interior. Today, Airbnb guests are invited to come enjoy the white interior, indoor and outdoor bathing under the stars and a fireplace." Sound like heaven? Step this way!   

True to its Swedish heritage, the sisters have dotted the living space with remnants collected from their coastal walks. A plant has been trained to climb the window - just like you see in many Scandinavian homes (see this and this home as an example!). 

Rattan fans* make beautiful wall art.

A simple wall lamp from IKEA serves as a reading lamp over the day bed which has been covered in striped linen* and a mix of grey and olive green cushions. 

In the dining area, a basket hangs from a hook on the side of a vintage cabinet for extra storage and a classic Scandinavian brass candlestick holder* awaits dusk on the table. 

A glass cabinet is ideal for keeping books and other treasures dust free, while s simple tree trunk serves as a side table beside a canvas safari chair. 

A simple wall-hanging made from shells and striped bed linen* add a beachy vibe to the bedroom. 

In the back yard, various vintage chairs have been arranged around a farmhouse table, while a simple striped deck chair allows for a little alone time with a book! 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? In my mind, I'm already there! 

I'm sure it would be equally magical in the winter, watching the waves crash against the rugged coast and reading by the fire. 

One to add to the travel list for the days when we can move freely again! 

Check it out on Airbnb, visit their website My Sister And The Sea and feel inspired by their instagram @readandhall. 

Curious to see other Airbnb stays I've added to my (dream) itinerary when I travel down under? 

Australia:

Dreamy holiday let: a cosy waterside eco cabin

A charming miner's cottage amongst an acre of roses

A beautiful boho cottage in Byron Bay

The White House Daylesford

Tasmania:

The Shack: A super cosy cabin on Bruny Island

Captains cottage: A cosy bolthole in Hobart

A Dreamy little cottage by the sea

Have I got you dreaming too?

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

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Cosy Weekend Escape: Warner's Camp Cabin

It's been a long old week but the good news is Friday is here, WOOP! After a week back in the city I'm dreaming of getting away from it all again- how about you? I have a feeling that Warner's Camp might just fit the bill. Dating back to the 1800s, the riverside rustic cabin is located in the Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness area of New York state (admittedly making it a little tricky to get to for the weekend from Sweden! Bah!). Owner Amy Brightman and Jessica Moody invite Airbnb guests to come and escape from it all, take a dip in the swimming hole, hike the trails and if you're into skiing, the Whiteface Ski resort is also only 10 minutes away (as if the river view wasn't enough!). Did I mention the very cosy rustic interior and wood burning stove too? 

Copyright: The Pinckards

Copyright: The Pinckards

Copyright: Chris Daniele

Copyright: Chris Daniele

"Houses are not built this way anymore; we are so close to the river that you can hear it from nearly every room in Warner's Camp." 

Copyright: Christopher Funk

Copyright: Chris Daniele

Copyright: Chris Daniele

Copyright: Chris Daniele

Could you imagine spending the weekend here?

Since I'd need to travel all the way from Sweden, I'd have to extend it to a one week stay (at least). What a pity... ;)

Read more about the history of Warner's Camp and book your stay here.

In the mood for a little more cabin love? Check out these archives:

Log cabins
Rural retreat

Feelin' the cabin love, how about you?!

Right. That's it from me this week. I hope you've felt inspired by all my shares and thank you so much for stopping by!

Have a cosy weekend friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Warner's Camp top picture: Chris Daniele 

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An Architect's Delightfully Calm Copenhagen Home (And It's On Airbnb Too!)

When you go on holiday do your prefer an airbnb or a hotel? - Or perhaps something in between? When travelling with the crazies I prefer an airbnb but when it's just Per and I - I'd more likely opt for a hotel (or a romantic B&B!) - mainly because I love a good breakfast buffet! But then I discover Airbnb apartments like this one in Copenhagen. Owned by an architect, the three-bedroom apartment is situated on one of the capital's most sought after streets and features beautiful sky-blue walls, light wood features and a blend of antique and new nordic design pieces. Who's to say you can't nip to the local bakery and pick up a fantastic wienerbrød (Danish pastry) and freshly brewed coffee to go in the morning?! The next time I'm in Denmark's capital city, I'm totally checking in here - and I might just never leave! Could you imagine staying here too? 

Mayor Aj5 sofa, Formakami pendant*

"Both architects, we transformed this historic apartment into a comfortable and calm home. With a focus on natural and luxurious materials, we have allowed the history of the place to inspire the design."

Circle pendant shade, Georg Jensen pitcher*

I love the backsplash. I spotted something similar in this magical Norwegian mountain cabin. You can create a similar one by treating a sheet of copper with acid for an aged look.  

"The apartments finished with a mixture of mid-century Scandinavian furniture, contemporary furniture, auction finds, and pieces from Justine's home in South Africa."

Copper clothes hanger* (similar)

Isn't it beautiful? I love the sky blue and copper touches in particular. 

If you're visiting Copenhagen and would like to hang out here for a while, the apartment is available through Airbnb right here.

Fancy exploring some other Airbnb options in Scandi-land? Here are a few I've got my eye on:

Two idyllic Danish cabins
A beautiful apartment in Bergen (love this!)
A hygge Danish log cabin near the sea
An off-the-grid getaway on an island in the Helsinki archipelagos
A romantic lakeside schoolhouse in Sweden

Quite a varied list, I must say! Which would you choose?

I've got to hurry home from there studio now as a local Malmö paper is coming to my house for a home story - so fun! God knows how the kids left it this morning but I'm pretty sure there's a lot of tidying up to be done. Gah! 

Have a lovely day!

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Airbnb found via Nordic Design with thanks

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Your 2020 Off-the-grid Getaway: Nolla Cabin In the Helsinki Archipelagos

Hello! Happy new year! I hope you had a wonderful, relaxing break? Is anyone else back at work today and feeling as slow as anything?! I'm on my third coffee and nothing seems to be happening (send more caffeine!)! All the same, I think 2020 is going to be a fabulous year, don't you? I thought I'd kick it off with a tour of the magnificent yet basic Nolla Cabin, a 20 minute boat ride from Helsinki. What fascinates me, is that it's a cabin of two halves. It's both tiny and big at the same time. Located on Vallisaari island and measuring 9m2, it offers views over the beautiful Helsinki archipelago which is home to over 1000 butterfly species! Finnish designer Robin Falck's intention was to inspire visitors to come and enjoy the Nolla (meaning zero) cabin while living with a minimal footprint. Read on to feel inspired!

The little cabin is equipped with two camping beds, along with a Wallas stove for cooking and heating (the stove runs on Neste MY Renewable Diesel provided by the host).  

The electricity is generated by solar panels on the roof (we're warned that supply might vary!) and has no wifi - but with views like that and an island to explore, I think we can all agree that it's hardly needed! 

Visitors are encouraged not to bring packaged foods and cosmetics in order to comply with the zero-waste ethos. 

Also, being off-the-grid, the cabin doesn't have running water BUT fresh water is available at the guest port 400 metres away and there's a dry loo on the island too - phew! 

What about a shower? With the beautiful waters of the Helsinki archipelago on your doorstep you have all the cleansing water you might need (depending on the time of year and quoting Per: 'it's OK once you're in - and great once you're out!'). Hmmm...

Up for the challenge in 2020? 

The Nolla Cabin is only 20 minutes boat ride from Helsinki. The best news of all? Finnish renewable energy company Neste is donating the rent to the The Ocean Cleanup, who develop advanced technologies to rid the world's oceans of plastic. 

You can book your stay here. 

While on the subject of Finland - I think it's pretty cool that the country has recently sworn in prime minister Sanna Marin. At 34 years of age, she is the world's youngest serving state leader. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe one of her first policies is to reduce the working week to four days and enjoying a six-hour workday. Which potentially means more time to spend at places like this! I think I need to have words with the Swedish PM!

Up for a little more Finish design today? I love:

Suvi's beautiful modern home on Finland's West Coast

An inspiring Finnish home with an element of surprise

Old meets new in a beautiful Finnish home

Have a lovely day friends, it feels good to be back! 

Niki

Photos courtesy of Airbnb

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A Cosy, Riverside Cabin Where Cool Scandinavian Meets Warm Californian style

Oh, have I got a dreamy cabin to share with you today. Not only has 'River Cabaan' been decorated to perfection by owners Karie Higgins and Lee Gibson (both of whom are spatial designers) - artfully combining Scandinavian design, mid-century and as touch of California to create a cosy nest - the cabin is also completely secluded and overlooks the Wilson River, just one hour from Portland, Oregon. Think spinning well loved vinyls on the deck, books by the fire and a cosy riverside fire pit. How's that for getting away from it all? Oh yes. And it's on Airbnb too. I think it would be rude not to book a stay, don't you? Just got to make my way across the Atlantic first. Enjoy the tour!

Sofa from Cb2, Serge Mouille wall light*, at by Caroline Walls, cane chair from France & Son 

White sheepskin*, IKEA Stockholm 2017 bench, Hide & Seek book.

Figure 02 print*, dark blue linen bedding*

Meet you by the fire pit?! 

In case you need any more convincing, there are a load more pictures over at @rivercabaan. 

And bookings can be made here!  

Thank you so much for the tip Allan!

Shall we take a peek at a few other cosy cabins? I know it's only Tuesday - but there's nothing like dreaming of a secluded cabin to get you through the working week! Here are some of my favourites of late:

Leanne Ford's woodsy cabin in Echo Park

Before & After: a dated cabin becomes a dreamy retreat

A super cosy off-the-grid cabin on Bruny Island

I'm still dreaming about our weekend at my friend's cabin in the woods a few weeks back too. Perhaps it's time to book another visit?

Have a lovey day friends, stay cosy! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @rivercabaan / #rivercabaan with thanks

*Affiliated links

PS If you're an interior designer or architect, don't miss the opportunity to enter your top projects into the Antalis Interior Design Award (read more about it here). 

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