From Foraged Feasts to Fireside Reads – A Cosy Island Getaway Near Bergen

On my way to the studio this morning, I felt the first crisp bite of autumn – a puff of mist curling from my lips, and a favorite knit pulled down over my hands to keep them warm. Glove season has arrived, along with October.

And so, I thought it was the perfect moment to share the first glimpse of “snow” here on My Scandinavian Home – in the form of a dreamy island escape in Norway: Lilløy Lindenberg. Lilløy means “little island,” and while it lies quietly near Bergen, there’s nothing little about the experience.

From what I read, guests who arrive by boat are welcomed into a world where time slows down. You can feast on foraged, plant-based meals, kayak through still waters, go Nordic snorkeling among seaweed gardens, or simply wander the island paths. And then, when the outdoors has worked its magic, retreat inside: the interiors are a love letter to Nordic craft, filled with handmade ceramics, seaweed-stuffed mattresses, locally blown glassware, and artworks by Bergen artists. Everything has been carefully restored using natural materials, so the old house feels rooted in history while quietly modern.

I also love the story behind the place. The island’s main house had stood unused since the late 1980s, until the Lindenberg team reimagined it as a retreat with a creative soul. Early on, it even hosted artist residencies, and that spirit lingers – you can sense it in the way the spaces invite you to write, paint, dream, or just sit still by the fire with a book.

Ready to take a look at what awaits?

Wow – what an incredible place to unwind. Honestly, this might just be my ultimate dream escape! Could you imagine staying here too?

I’m already picturing myself enjoying a foraged meal cooked on the old aga – though I’ll happily admit the Nordic snorkelling isn’t quite for me (Per and the girls call me a real badkruka – Swedish for someone who either avoids cold dips altogether or takes forever to ease themselves in!). A book by the fire, though – that would suit me just fine. How about you?

You can find more about Lilløy Lindenberg – and even book a stay – here (just saying!).

And if you’re in the mood for more daydreaming, I’ve gathered a few of my other favourite Scandinavian stays for you to explore…

My stay at Villa Copenhagen
A magical stay at Wanås sculpture park 
A romantic weekend at Vårgård Saltsjöbad in the Stockholm archipelagos

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, happy dreaming! 

Niki

Photography: Robert Rieger & Jack Johns for Lilløy Lindenberg

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Where the Sea Meets Home: A Swedish Coastal Escape

It’s Friday! And if there’s a day for dreaming, this has to be it. Long-time readers will know my biggest dream is to one day live in a little cottage by the sea — listening to the waves crash against the shore, watching treasures wash up with the tide, and breathing in that salty fresh air.

And this lovely little cottage? Well, it’s pretty much spot on! It’s just appeared a few years too early, as my teens aren’t quite ready to trade in their urban lives for the wonderfully quiet rhythm of Sweden’s south coast. Even so, it doesn’t stop me dreaming!

With the sea as your closest neighbour and the gentle sound of the waves as a backdrop, this Ystad cottage feels like a world of its own. Big windows frame the ever-changing horizon, a wrought-iron staircase leads up to a serene master bedroom, and the clean, simple Scandinavian style lets the views take centre stage. A wood-burning stove promises cosy evenings after windswept walks, and a morning dip is only a few footsteps away.

I don’t know about you, but I can just imagine sitting here with a cup of coffee, watching the sun rise over the water. One day, perhaps…

This lovely cottage really is just the ticket — I’ll be storing it in my mind and dreaming about it this weekend. Location aside, I also love the sleek kitchen with its pendant lamps over the worktop, the exposed beams, and that wonderfully simple décor that lets the sea views do all the talking.

What about you — can you imagine living in a place like this, or do you prefer a little more hustle and bustle around you? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

And if, like me, you enjoy a good coastal daydream, here are a few more homes by the sea that might just steal your heart: 

Coastal living, only cooler - the home of an artist in England
A charming Danish cottage with a coastal vibe
An artist's atelier and cottage by the sea in Cornwall, England

Thank you so much for stopping by and dreaming with me this week, and for all your lovely comments — I’m really looking forward to sitting down with a quiet moment this weekend to read and respond to them.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Mäklarna Ekström (where it is currently for sale).

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Coastal Living, but Cooler: Inside an Artist’s Seafront Retreat

There’s something about houses on the coast that always gets me. Maybe it’s the light, maybe it’s the horizon, or maybe it’s just that I’ve always secretly wanted to live overlooking the sea. For now, I’ll happily live that dream through others, like this incredibly cool early 20th-century house in Littlestone, Kent.

On the surface, it’s a peaceful five-bedroom home. Step inside and it’s clear this is no ordinary seaside house. Flooded with natural light, it has that creative, subtly rebellious edge that only comes from being shaped by who I presume are artist owners.

Portrait paintings in oils, the predominant art of choice here and perhaps reflecting the hand of the owner, lend a personal touch to the interior. Look closely and you’ll also spot the coastal hints, a palette of blue and white to mirror the waters of Hythe Bay and textures that nod to driftwood and sand. Always just enough to echo the view beyond the windows, never enough to feel contrived. Add in those bay windows framing nothing but Littlestone beach, the water and horizon, and you’ve got coastal living, but cooler.

Such a cool home – and entirely unique. The art and the handpicked mix of antique and vintage finds help to make the space. I also love how the paint has been used selectively, with a blue on the stairs and door, and a grey on an accent gallery wall.

I've shown everything but the exterior - which I must share as it was so unexpected:

The architect reflects the Arts-and-Crafts-influenced style of early 1900s British seaside homes, practical, built to last and to enjoy the views. From the outside, it is not traditionally beautiful, and a passerby might walk past without giving it a second glance. But step inside and it tells a completely different story. In the hands of an artist, it has been transformed into something very cool, a home full of personality and creative spirit. And I simply love that element of surprise!

Is there anything that stands out to you about this Kent seaside home? 

Tempted to move? Check out the complete listing here on Inigo. 

Shall we look at other homes with a sea view today? 

Maria's stunning house by the water on the Swedish High Coast
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views
A dreamy cottage by the ocean filled with vintage finds

And also: 15 coastal living ideas to steal from a Danish cottage

Happy Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks. 

 

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Slow Living by the Sea: A Tiny Cabin Getaway on Gotland

Today is a "red day" in Sweden – a public holiday – and like many others, I’m spending it at our summer cottage. With less than two weeks until the school holidays, thoughts are already drifting toward summer.

Sweden has no shortage of classic holiday spots, but few are as iconic as Gotland.

This beautiful island in the Baltic Sea truly comes alive in summer – with cosy cafés, artist studios, farm shops, beaches, and a laid-back, joyful vibe. It’s one of my all-time favourite places in Scandinavia.

This morning, I stumbled across a tiny beach cabin in Väskinde, and it instantly had me dreaming of slow, simple days by the sea.

The cabin has everything you need – a kitchenette, dining table, sofa bed, and a separate little bathroom cabin just steps away. There’s a peaceful outdoor nook between the trees, perfect for morning coffee in the sun. And at night, you can drift off to the sound of the waves. 

A small pier sits just beside it – perfect for a refreshing dip and the large sea-facing windows are shielded with a wooden screen, letting in the light while keeping things private.

Oh, and best of all? It’s on Airbnb – dangerously easy to book, and very hard to resist. A perfect little escape to get us in the weekend mood! 

So lovely!

Can you imagine relaxing here, drifting off to the sound of the waves?

If you're visiting Gotland, I highly recommend renting a car — it's the best way to explore the island at your own pace. I put together a guide a while back that you might find helpful — you can check it out here.

Want to see a few more Gotland homes today? Here are some beautiful tours to inspire you:

A rustic summer cottage with a pool
Elsa's charming summer cottage
A beautiful limestone barn on Gotland

Well friends, that’s it from me this week. As always, thank you so much for stopping by — and for sharing your thoughts and observations. I’ve loved reading them, and I’ll be settling down with a coffee at some point this weekend to respond.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks. 

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This Idyllic Örust Island Cottage Is the Ultimate Swedish Summer Escape

Oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve failed miserably in my promise to feature a city home today. The thing is, this absolute gem popped up on the market, and ever since, I’ve been dreaming of waking up to the sea view every morning.

Funnily enough, my family and I must have sailed past this charming cottage on one of our voyages around the island of Örust on Sweden’s west coast. Just as well I didn’t know it at the time—or I’d have insisted we drop anchor and swim ashore for a viewing!

Tucked away on the eastern side of the island, the property comprises several buildings—perfect for hosting an extended family or the occasional overnight guest—while still maintaining a strong sense of privacy. There's a saying in Sweden: “Guests start to smell like fish after three days,” and let me tell you, Swedish summer holidays are long, so the more independence each guest has, the better!

In true Swedish summer cottage fashion, the interior is simple and bright, with lots of white and just a touch of colour here and there. The focus is firmly on outdoor living and those breathtaking sea views. While the water can reach a balmy 23°C (73°F) at the height of summer, there’s nothing quite like a sauna to help you unwind—especially when the Nordic weather gods aren’t on side.

Ready to take the tour and dream of a Swedish summer by the water?

I spotted one rarity: a washing machine in the kitchen! It’s something you see all the time in the UK—but never in Sweden, where they’re usually found in the bathroom.

And did you notice the binoculars? They seem to be a common sight in home tours lately (remember the pair in the Welsh house on Friday?). Oh, how I’d love to have a view so expansive and interesting that it required binoculars!

I was especially taken with the magnificent sitting room and dining area, complete with panoramic views of the sea, and the pretty floral wallpaper in the bedroom. And I couldn’t help but smile imagining how happy I’d be if I were a guest and someone led me to the twin outhouse, complete with oars stored on the rafters, with a cheerful, “This is where you’ll be sleeping.” What a dream!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Here are a few other lovely coastal summer cottages to enjoy today. 

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea
A cosy Swedish cottage by the sea
15 coastal living ideas to steam from a Danish cabin
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views

The Swedish west coast is so magical - here is a list of ten of my favourite islands. 

And for city apartments (in lieu of their current absence - ahem!): 

A Stockholm apartment where past and present meet
Alisan's serene Copenhagen flat
Juni's creative Oslo apartment 

Did any of these capture your imagination in particular? 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks. 

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