A Cosy Swedish Home with Vintage Finds & Foraged Charm

To wrap up the week, I’m taking you on a virtual trip to the countryside of Värmland, Sweden—home to Johan Magnussen. Johan has a knack for discovering vintage treasures, filling his home with plants and flowers, and foraging in the nearby forests for whatever seasonal goodness nature has to offer.

His passion is evident in every corner of the house, which feels both peaceful and full of stories. I’m especially taken by the charming period features that whisper of the farmhouse’s history—like the oven fireplace in the kitchen, decorative stucco, wood-panelled ceilings, and exposed brick walls.

As you explore, keep an eye out for antique fabrics draped over side tables and embroidered cushions in the window nook—beautiful comebacks from times gone by.

Johan leans into calming, earthy tones throughout, creating a beautifully serene space—made even more inviting by a cat curled up in blissful slumber on the sofa. Oh, to be that cat!

Fancy a peek around the ground floor? Let’s dive in!

And can we talk about that impressive hoard of chanterelles? I’m quite sure Johan would never reveal where he found them—Swedes are famously tight-lipped about their foraging spots (and rightly so!). Do you like to forage, too? We love going blackberry picking near our cottage. I noticed just this weekend that the first berries are beginning to ripen, so I’ll definitely be out there with my basket!

When I interviewed a friend for my Njuta book, she shared a lovely tradition: she forages throughout the year and then, on New Year’s Eve, she infuses each course of the evening meal with something gathered from a different season—a beautiful homage to the year gone by. How nice is that?

I hope you enjoyed the tour of Johan’s home as much as I did. Was there anything that especially stood out to you?

Let me share a few more lovely country homes with you today: 

A magical Norwegian cottage with a wabi sabi vibe
A very cosy Swedish country home
Ilkka's charming rural retreat in Finland

I hope you all have a lovely, relaxing weekend! 

Niki

Photography: Johan Magnussen, shared with kind permission. 

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Hagestad Nygård: A Dreamy Österlen Farmhouse Full of Character

Hejsan! How was your weekend?

As long-term readers will know, I live in Skåne, in southern Sweden, and this time of year it really comes into its own. Have you been here in summer? The fields are glowing, the beaches fill with life, and the little cafés and farm shops buzz just enough to feel alive, but never rushed.

Tucked into the rolling landscape of Österlen is Hagestad Nygård, a farmstead with over a hundred years of history. Built with care by Esbjörn Persson, it still carries that sense of craftsmanship and calm. And since 2020, it has been cared for with a lovely blend of preservation and gentle modern updates.

The property comprises three separate buildings, which serve as separate dwellings and also a relaxation area, complete with a small, lush indoor pool. And outside, a saltwater pool awaits on warmer days.

The interiors are warm and expressive, with earthy tones, bold accents, and just the right amount of dramatic flair. And each room feels thoughtful, but never staged. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger—throw open a window, make a coffee, and stay awhile.

Oh, and the sea is just a short bike ride away, and villages like Kåseberga and Löderup are nearby, full of character and that Österlen summer energy I always find hard to put into words.

Did I mention this place is actually for sale via Christies? Your new home, perhaps? Take the tour and see for yourself. You might just fall in love.

I love the relaxation part of the property - it's wonderful! Here are a few pictures: 

Such an incredible property! I love the sense of drama in those walls with their rich, time-worn patina.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of a sunken bath that feels like a little pool. We definitely don’t have the space (or budget) for one—but a girl can dream, right?

What stands out to you most about Hagestad Nygård? Tempted to make it your home? It would be a big life change… but such a good one, don’t you think? You can read more about it and see more pictures here. 

How about a lovely, slow start to the week and a peek at a few more Skånegårds today? 

Step inside a traditional Skånegård in the Swedish countryside
A charming rustic farmhouse in Skåne
A charming farmhouse in southern Sweden

I hope you have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Christies, with thanks.

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From Dated to Dreamy: Jennie-Ann's Swedish Farmhouse Renovation

One of the things I’ve always marvelled at is just how great my Swedish friends are at DIY. There’s no task too daunting for them (although, thankfully, they’ll call in an expert for electrics!). It certainly helps that absolutely everyone learns how to sew, work with wood, and generally run a home (even budgeting!) at school. But anything that hasn’t been covered "can be conquered with the help of YouTube" (or so they tell me!).

Jennie-Ann is a prime example of this. She and her partner have lovingly transformed an old Swedish farmhouse in Larv, taking it from a dated and rundown building to a beautiful home that stays true to its original character. Jennie-Ann is also the founder of Lin & Lera, which includes an onsite boutique offering everything you might need to renovate your home sustainably, a salvage yard, and workshops to help with every aspect of updating and caring for your home and garden.

If the beautiful natural materials, colours, and details in Jennie-Ann’s home are anything to go by, I think the farm could be well worth a visit if we're ever passing by! In the meantime, let’s appreciate her beautiful and unique house. 

First, let me just give you a glimpse of how the kitchen looked before they started. It’s a great marker to see just how much they’ve accomplished since moving in.

Are you ready to see the results? Varsågod:

Note that the lower kitchen cabinets were salvaged from the original kitchen. Jennie-Ann sells an array of earthy-toned linseed oil paint colours in her boutique - many of which feature throughout her home. She is also a pro at making her only paint colours from clay! 

Look extra carefully at the details and you'll spot traditional Swedish pendant lamps, tables and rugs.  

Mid-blue and ochre make for a beautiful combination and create a calm feel in the bedroom. 

The bathroom is potentially my favourite room of all - it's filled with nostalgia while also providing all the modern amenities you need to feel comfortable. 

Needless to say, locals flock to Lin & Lera to discover what's in store - and for exciting events. I hope I can be a part of the crowd one day! 

Keep an eye on Lin & Lera for one of Jennie-Ann's upcoming workshops (sometimes held in the barn seen below) which include themes such as 'how to make your own colour from clay', 'how to cultivate your own forest garden' and 'basic courses in window renovation' as well as many more! 

Truly inspiring! 

Does this give you the boost you need to get a paint brush out or dabble in a little DIY this weekend? 

Feel inspired by Jenni-Ann's latest renovation projects over at @lin.o.lera and find out more about her boutique and workshops here. 

Would you like to see more homes that have been lovingly restored with sustainability in mind? Check out Emma Sundh's country home (one of the most popular tours of 2024) and also Anna Swain's charming cottage on Lamb Island, Australia. 

Wishing you all a great Wednesday! 

Niki

Photography: @lin.o.lera, pictures 12 & 13 Daniel Strandroth 

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