Signs of Summer and a Dreamy Cornish Escape

You know summer’s actually within reach when someone asks you what your summer plans are! A big moment for us in Scandinavia — we’re just emerging from a very long winter.

The truth is, we don’t really have any plans — we’ll probably just mooch around here in Sweden. Maybe a bit of sailing, maybe some time at our cottage. After all, we’ve waited so long for the good weather to arrive, we don’t want to miss a second of it.

If we were to travel, one of my favourite destinations is Cornwall, in southwest England. The coastline there is rugged and wild, and while the sea is definitely on the fresh side, it can be the most amazing shade of turquoise in places.

This brings me to today’s home tour: The Bell Tower, owned by couple Chris Blake and Christen Pears and located in Penzance, a coastal town in Cornwall known for its charming harbour, historic streets, and views of the iconic St Michael’s Mount.

One of the most recognisable buildings on the Penzance skyline, the Bell Tower began life as a school back in 1834. Today, it’s been artfully transformed into a holiday apartment with panoramic views over the harbour and St Michael’s Mount in the distance.

Following a thoughtful renovation, the space has been furnished with a mix of mid-century pieces and beautiful fittings from brands like Lefroy Brooks, Robert Welch, David Mellor and Sage. There are also some very Scandinavian touches (keep a look out for the Tremme sofa/daybed by Børge Mogensen and I also spy Danish dining chairs and lamps and Swedish textiles!). While the interior is lovely, it’s the arched windows and cosy window seat that really stole my heart.

What I wouldn’t give to swap my desk for this spot today — flitting about barefoot and sipping coffee while watching the boats drift by.

Enjoy the tour!

A lovely holiday home! Did you spot the Le Klint scissor lamp? We have the same one at home and I absolutely love it. I also admired the Børge Mogensen sofa/daybed with its clever collapsible armrests — I’ve seen it in a few homes before and have always been a bit fascinated by it. Such a smart, timeless design! 

Was there anything that caught your eye?

Can you imagine mooching around here today?

See more pictures and find out about booking a stay at The Bell Tower here or their other cottages here. Owners Chris and Christen live on-site at the farm, so if you decide to visit, there’s a good chance you’ll meet them! They’re a fascinating pair — Chris is a master mariner who specialises in square-rig sailing ships, and when he’s not off at sea, he’s usually pottering in the vegetable garden. Christen previously worked as a journalist before retraining as a Pilates instructor, and when she’s not out exploring Cornwall, she’s often reading, watching old films or hosting a reading party!

You can also check out some other lovely homes I've featured in the area here: 

An artist's cottage, atelier and gallery by the sea
A charming white coastal cottage in Cornwall
The historic home of a collector

And if you ever find yourself in that beautiful corner of England, don’t forget to tuck into a proper Cornish pasty and a scone with jam and cream — so delicious, especially after a blustery walk along the coast!

Happy mid-week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Bell Tower, shared with kind permission.

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Inside Anna's Coastal Home on a Swedish Island

Every time I visit Gothenburg on Sweden’s west coast, I marvel at how friendly the people are – it’s something they’re well known for. I sometimes wonder why they’re so cheerful, and I’ve come to the conclusion that it might have something to do with the incredible archipelago right on their doorstep. With thousands of islands and skerries, it’s a spectacular, rugged coastline dotted with picturesque fishing villages – and one of our favourite places to sail (see my guide to the islands).

Anna Järelöv, a teacher, lives right in the heart of this magical seascape. She and her husband Jacob share their home with their two children on the island of Köpstadsö, in the southern part of the Gothenburg archipelago.

I often find that with Swedish coastal homes, it’s not immediately obvious that they’re by the sea – but there are always subtle hints. A striped cushion here, a touch of blue there, maybe a mirror or lamp with a wave-like form, or a carefully chosen piece of artwork. In Anna Järelöv’s home, however, the biggest giveaway is the incredible view from the windows!

So, pull up a seat, take in the soothing earthy tones and soft textures, and imagine the gentle sound of the Kattegat Sea just beyond the glass. See how many coastal nods you can spot – this home is a true joy!

There were quite a few things that caught my eye in Anna’s lovely home: the kitty (of course!) looking perfectly content, the wavy pedestals for plants (such a lovely idea!), and the green-blue and white striped cushions with ruffled edges (so pretty!). The view from the windows and the terrace is absolutely spectacular too – the ever-changing shapes of the Kattegat Sea are something you’d never tire of.

Is there anything that caught your eye about Anna’s home? Or anything you're curious about that you’d like me to check with her?

If you'd like to see more, head on over to the inspiring Instagram account @finhetermedmera. 

My heart sings at the prospect of seeing more Swedish homes in the archipelagos today - here are few from the archives I think you'll love: 

A magical little summer cottage in the Gothenburg archipelagos 

A cosy Swedish cottage with spectacular sea views

A little fisherman's cottage on the west coast

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of @finhetermedmera, shared with kind permission.

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A Cosy Swedish Cottage with Stunning Sea Views

Happy Friday, friends! Got any fun plans for the weekend? I can’t help but think the owners of this charming Swedish cottage by the sea won’t be venturing far. Why would you, when you can snuggle up indoors, hide from the chill, and enjoy the most wonderful views over the Gothenburg archipelago from so many of the windows? It’s the perfect spot to sit, relax, and reflect!

Anna, John, and their daughter Gunnevi found this little gem by the water and have lovingly transformed it into their dream family retreat. They’ve worked hard to expand the space while staying true to the authentic look and feel of the original cottage.

On one end, they added a sunroom to soak in the light and those breathtaking views. On the other, they extended the house with an entrance, a new kitchen, and a dining area. To bring it all together, they decorated with delightful nods to the cottage’s West Coast roots, as well as incorporating warm earthy tones in ochre and green that radiate cosiness.

The furnishings are a delightful mix of vintage treasures, each chosen with comfort and practicality in mind, enhancing the timeless charm of the traditional cottage. 

Ready to take a closer look at Villa Valborg? Let’s start with a picture of the original cottage, so you can follow the family’s inspiring journey of transformation. I hope it sparks your imagination!

How wonderful! 

It's a dream of mine to live in a lovely cottage by the sea like this one day. 

Could you imagine relaxing here too? 

I love the green and ochre combination too - it's a tone that we are seeing everywhere right now. But most of all, for me this cottage is all about the cosy feel and the incredible vistas. 

Is there anything that stands out to you about Villa Valborg - or perhaps a detail I have missed? 

You can see more pictures as well as some behind-the-scene footage from the renovation over at @villa.valborg. 

Shall we take this opportunity to look at a few more cottages by the sea? I love: 

A cosy yellow Swedish cottage by the sea

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea

A beautiful Danish cabin by the sea becomes a lockdown haven

An artist's atelier and home by the sea in Cornwall

A dreamy cottage by the ocean filled with vintage finds

A swedish summer cabin overlooking the water in karlskrona

And with that, I'll leave you to have a wonderful weekend! See you Monday friends!

Niki

Photography: @villa.valborg, shared with kind permission. 

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