A Magical Little Swedish Summer Cottage (And It's For Sale!)

Why, hello there lovelies! Are you ready for a little summer dreaming today? Here in Sweden the summer holidays are a mere one month away, and planning is in full force. Except, this year of course, it's a little restrained. Who knows what might happen in the next four weeks? The one thing we do know, is that we'll be staying put. And, up and down the country, Swedes are dusting down the cobwebs and oiling the shutters at their summer houses, hoping it'll be permitted to dream away a summer surrounded by everything the Nordic nature has to offer. If there's one thing I love about the Swedish summer cottage, it's that it's pared down and all about living a simple life. This idyllic little cottage is nestled away on the island of Klåverön in the mesmerisingly beautiful Gothenburg archipelagos - and waiting for a new owner - could it be you once we're all free to travel again? 

Summer's in the Gothenburg archipelago are all about hopping on and off boats and enjoying a picnic on your own little island. 

In this lovely open-plan living area the outdoors takes centre stage. An antique bench doubles up as storage for extra cushions and tableware. 

A patterned rug adds a little colour to the living room, while open shelving ensures a relaxed feel. 

Botanical themed bedding helps to draw the nature indoors and a wall-mounted shelf clears floor space for a light and airy feel.

A DIY rail and row of hooks is ideal, summer dresses, linen shirts and a hat or two. 

I am already imagining following the 24 hours sun around the cottage on the various decks - and chatting the four-legged neighbours, how about you?! 

Ooooh, so lovely! 

We've spent many summers sailing in the Gothenburg archipelagos, and I can't tell you how magical it is there. Perhaps I should speak to Per about this cottage? Not sure he could take it on a Monday! 

I know things are tough right now, but this too shall pass, and when it does, this Nordic country is waiting for you to experience it in all its glory! In the meantime, I hope the tour provides some wonderful summer-inspiration for your own home! 

Here are a few other summer cottages to feel inspired by: 

A photographer's charming summer cottage in the woods

An idyllic cottage that dreams are made of

A pared-back summer home on Gotland

Have a great start to the week. We've got this! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors.

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An Idyllic Farmhouse In Victoria, For a family of Five

Are you wishing you had just a teeny-weeny more space at home right now? I love my home in Malmö in many ways, but I guess, when pressed, there are some things I miss more than ever. Like a big garden where I could grow vegetables, take a stroll and sip rosé in the evening sun! The Shower family have found this and a whole more in rural Stanley, North East Victoria, Australia. Living simply, following the seasons and beating to the drum of their small town, the family are in the process of turning their home - Black Barn Farm, into a biodiverse orchard, nursery and learning space. The fruit from the orchard is seasonally available through farmer's markets and a 'pick your own' service will commence from 2021. In the meantime, you can tuck into apple cider doughnuts, pick up a perennial and enjoy one of their many events and workshops. Welcome to life, down on Black Barn Farm! 

I've got my eye on one of those doughnuts! 

I can imagine owning a farm requires a massive amount of work, and the Shower family sound really dedicated and passionate about what they do, which is really inspiring!

It also looks like a truly idyllic place to spend a childhood, don't you think? 

Could you imagine living on a farm? I'm undecided, but seeing these pictures certainly has me considering a life-change! 

Read more about Black Barn Farm. 

When I finally make that trip to Australia one day, this is going to be on my list of places to visit! 

Feeling the farm vibes today (imagine all that space?!)? Here are a few others I love: 

An inspiring life-change story / wild run farm

A Frisian stop farm becomes a beautiful home

A dated home becomes a fresh modern farmhouse  

Sending sunny vibes from Malmö!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Black Barn Farm - shared with kind permission. 

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An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage That Dreams Are Made Of!

Say the words 'Swedish summer cottage' and I immediately conjure up a picture of a little red and white cottage surrounded by lush, vibrant nature and somewhere to bathe a short "nakenfis" (I love this Swedish word - it literally translates as 'naked fart' but it's generally used to describe being nude!)  sprint away!! In fact, this idyllic croft in a village near Tierp an hour or so North of Stockholm is spot on! Dating back to 1909, the croft is made up of a main house and a series of little outhouses which wouldn't look out of place in Astrid Lindgren's 'Children of Noisy Village'. Step inside and you're greeted with white wood panelled walls, pretty wallpaper and painted wood floors. The furnishings are typically understated and a perfect blend of vintage and antique pieces. Ready for a little Swedish summer dreaming? 

Oh wow. This has me dreaming of 24 hour sunshine, morning dips and long, lazy lunches alfresco! 

Could you image wiling away a lazy summer here?

This is where I say - "well, it could be yours..." - and it was actually on the market for a very reasonable 750,000 SEK (€70k / $76k) via Länsförsäkringar (try pronouncing that!) but as you can  imagine, it was snapped up immediately! 

Up for a little more Scandinavian summer cottage dreaming? Pull up a chair and enjoy:

A photographer's charming summer cottage in the woods (absolutely love this!) 

A cosy rural cottage in North Sweden

An idyllic hideaway on the island of Dalarö

Actually, do you know what? I think I'll just share the link to the entire archive - there are hundreds of charming summer cottages in there from all across Scandinavia. And since it's a public holiday here tomorrow I hope it will tie you over until I return on Monday! 

Wishing you a wonderful long weekend friends - stay safe, stay well! 

Niki

Photography: Johan Fornstedt / Husfoto

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Oh, How I'd Love to Buy This Swedish Island Summer Oasis!

Last night I was scrolling through Swedish real estate (a favourite past time of mine - does that make me weird, or do you do the same in your country?!) and I discovered Emma Sundh's wonderful summer cottage has been placed on the market - complete with caravan! I turned to Per and said, 'we need to buy this'. I mean, I've been dreaming about this little red, white and blue cottage since I featured it two summers ago - and our visit to the beautiful island of Gotland last summer. Built in the late 1800s, the future buyer would benefit from relaxing in the cosy wooden cottage (which has two bedrooms plus the caravan!) and enjoy beautiful views over the garden which is bursting with lilac, clematis and roses throughout summer. Sadly, Per isn't quite ready to take the plunge (story of my life - te he he!) - so I'm hoping that one of you might snap it up and enjoy this lovely summer haven on my behalf! 

Any takers?

It's available through Bertwig (just sayin'!).

If you do snap it up, can I stop by for a cup of tea next time I'm on Gotland?

In case you're as curious as I am about this idyllic Swedish island in the Baltic, here are a few other of my favourite houses:

A rustic summer cottage with a lovely pool - for rent!
A charming 19th century house on Gotland
Swedish island life in a limestone cottage

You know what? I was feeling a little low before writing today's post (I try to stay positive, but I have to admit this whole thing gets to me every now and again, do you feel the same?) but dreaming about this lovely cottage on Gotland has perked me up no end and given me a spring in my step once again.

Here's to dreaming about long summer days!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bertwig

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