Step Inside A Swedish Summer Cottage Oasis From the 1700s

I was meant to post a tour of a city apartment today, and then I realised my mind is already in the countryside - sitting by the sea, legs dangling idly in the cool, sparkling Scandinavian waters. So I hope you don't mind that we return to the beautiful island of Gotland today (yes, I am obsessed!). This summer paradise dating back to the 1700s is nestled in the old town of Visby, a few hundred yards from the Baltic Sea. The current owners described the renovation as a 'treasure hunt' since it unearthed so many exciting discoveries from times gone by including a deep well and an old baking oven. And now, it's time to pass over the reins. Could you be the next one to enjoy this little oasis, with its historic details, traditional kitchen, earthy tones and a seat under the boughs of a blossoming peach tree all summer long? 

 

 

Forget the summer - I could live here all year round, how about you?

So happy to see there's an outdoor shower in the garden too, there's nothing nicer than rinsing off under the open sky don't you think (see my outdoor shower and bathroom round-up here!). 

I think I've linked to it quite a few times already (understatement, I hear you say!) but just in case you missed it and would love to see a few more pictures from Gotland and other east coast islands, take a peek at my travel diaries. 

This summer we're hoping to sail up Sweden's west coast (weather permitting!) and I was thinking of taking my camera and writing a feature about it once we're back. What do you think? Could this be interesting? The Gothenburg archipelago is one of my favourite places in the world and I'd so love for you to experience it one day (if you haven't already!). 

Leaving you with a few other charming summer cottages today: 

A Danish oasis on North Zealand

A Swedish island summer oasis

A striking cabin on the island of Ingarö

Have a lovely, sunny day friends!

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Fastighetsbyrån - with thanks

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A Magical Norwegian Cottage With a Wabi Sabi Vibe

Here in Scandinavian we're counting down the days to Midsummer's Eve. Nature has sprung to life in a riot of colours - with meadows and grass verges bursting with poppies, daisies, harebells and lupins. The sun casts a long, hazy shadow well into the evening as adults and children alike soak up every last drop of golden sun. In the small hamlet of Nesodden, near Oslo, Norway, Hilde Mork and her two children are enjoying the midsummer sun from their magical country cottage. Last year, Hilde and a colleague converted the former ceramics studio and stables into a family home using 100% recycled and secondhand materials. Inspired by Scandinavian functionality and 'Nordic wabi sabi', today the cottage also serves as a studio for Hilde's work as a graphic designer, photographer and storyteller - and an idyllic base from which to enjoy the surrounding forest and countryside. Velkommen inn to Hilde's magical world - where the beauty lies in the imperfection. 

Grey curly sheepskin throw*, outdoor string lights*, bowl (below) by Dantes Ceramics

The neighbour's cat often stops by for a visit, making himself at home beside a vintage cabinet, cookery books and bunches of dried flowers. 

In this close-up you can really see how the kitchen has been built using secondhand and recycle materials - from the reclaimed porcelain sink and taps to the cabinet doors. A vintage scissor lamp* provides light after sunset.

A simple rail serves as storage for an array of pots and pans and a traditional woven birch basket* is ideal for other small items. 

In the winter a wood burning stove helps to keep the cottage feeling cosy and warm, while in summer it provides a perfect spot for a vase of wildflowers. 

A series of vintage mirrors help to bounce the light around while also creating a lovely wall display! 

On warmer days, life moves outside, where the family enjoy the surroundings in an understated way while making the most of the long hours of sunshine. 

 

What a magical world! Slow and sustainable living at its finest. 

Could you imagine soaking up the Scandinavian summer sun from this charming Norwegian country home? 

Take a peek at more of Hilde's home on her instagram @hildemork78 and find out more about her work as a freelance graphic designer, photographer and storyteller on her website www.hildemork.me. 

Up for a little more Scandinavian country inspiration today? Take a look at these magical homes:

A Beautiful Pared-Back Finnish Island Cottage 

Step inside an idyllic Swedish country home on a hill

A rural country home in Northern Sweden

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Hilde Mork, shared with kind permission. 

*This post contains affiliate links which means I might make a very, very tiny amount of money if you buy an item through the links marked with an asterisk. 

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A Charming Farmhouse in Piteå, Sweden

Thank you so much for all your comments yesterday, I read every single one of them and will carry them with me along with my personal reflections as I continue to provide this positive bubble of Scandi love each day. So friends, today, I'm whisking you away on a journey far, far North to Piteå, Sweden and the beautiful country home of Jessica Lindberg. Jessica lives in a farmhouse dating back to 1891 with her husband, two children and two cats. Originally from Piteå, Jessica and her husband lived in Malmö for 16 years and returned two years ago. Their traditional red and white farmhouse is full of interesting details - from the walls which feature everything from tiles, wallpaper, shades of blue and beige, exposed wood beams, marble and stone - to an array of lighting, art and fresh flowers at every turn! Enjoy the tour! 

How lovely! You can tell Jessica has carefully thought out every single element of the living space. I also love how she has combined vintage finds with some contemporary Scandinavian pieces. 

Is there anything that stood out to you? 

You can see more of Jessica's home on her instagram @rangas_etc.

Other lovely Scandinavian farmhouses to peek inside today: a lovely pared-back Skåne farmhouse, a pretty Västragötland farmhouse and the inspiring farmhouse of a Swedish photographer. Further afield, I love this idyllic farmhouse for a family of five and a beautiful and unique Dutch farmhouse. 

Anyone else feeling tempted with rural life? All that space! 

Here at home, we're preparing for my stepson's graduation from school tomorrow. Taking your 'Studenten' is a really huge thing in Sweden (up there with other big life events such as births and weddings! - is it big in your country too?). It's a really joyous event. Teenagers run out from their schools - huge grins on their faces, throwing their graduation caps in the air before touring the town blowing whistles and waving flags. They then return home to celebrate with family and friends. Sadly, the celebration is marred with the Coronavirus social distancing rules this year, but we're doing our best to ensure he has a memorable day all the same (naturally, I put myself on decoration duties!).  Better get on! 

I'll be back tomorrow with more Scandi home love! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Jessica Lindberg

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An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage In a Former Telegraph Station

Summertime in Sweden. Time for me to start obsessing over buying a summer cottage on the island off Gotland. If I had it my way, I'd be on a Baltic Sea ferry chugging out to the island on the first day of the school holidays. There are two key issues though. Firstly, Per is a sailor and secondly the island is all but closed to visitors this year (at least, under Swedish government recommendation). So, I'll do what I do best (please do join me) - dream! And this idyllic limestone property is today's object of desire! Located in Storsudret near the southern tip, this genuine Gotland limestone cottage was once a telegraph station. The owners have renovated it using a subtle palette of soothing light greys and greens, while being careful to maintain its late 19th century charm. Did I mention it's also a stone's throw from the coast and a few hundred metres from a bakery? Oh, how I'd love to spend my summer here. If you snap it up (yes, it's on the market) - can I drop by for a crepe (sounds random, but this is one of the culinary delights of the island!). There's no need to decide right away - take a look through the pics and dream a little first! 

I love that the interior has been kept beautifully simple and pared down in a palette of soft grey and earthy green, while the exposed wood beams add plenty of warmth.

As with all Scandinavian summer cottages, the nature takes centre stage - and life moves outside whenever the weather allows. 

Clever use of patterned tiles help to protect the wood floor from constant comings and goings. 

These antique Swedish benches are popular in summer cottages since they double up as storage, aren't they lovely?

 

This is the rustic entrance to a smaller outhouse on the grounds - which is ideal for extended family or visitors. I love the rag rug, clogs and sheepskin. You can't really get more Swedish than this! 

 

The simplicity of this bathroom is typical of an island where people come to enjoy a back-to-basics lifestyle There is a distinct rustic vibe throughout the island - it's entirely unique! 

What do you reckon? Could you imagine spending your summers here? A visit in the winter might also be on the cards: listening to the distant sound of the waves of the Baltic Sea thundering onto the rugged coastline, while enjoying a book by the fire. 

Sold? It's currently on the market here! 

Prefer a more unusual dwelling? How about this windmill that's also for sale?! 

I hope this cottage has put as little spring in your step for the start of the week. In case you'd like to see a few more Gotland cottages, put your feet up and get misty-eyed over a rustic summer cottage (available to rent!), an island retreat and a beautiful limestone farmhouse. 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Handelsbanken.

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