A 19th Century Farmhouse on The Swedish Island of Gotland

How long ago was it that I featured a house on one of my favourite Swedish islands? Too long! So folks, here's a Gotland beauty for you. Located almost in the centre of the Baltic island, this wonderful 19th century farmhouse has been decorated using calm shades to compliment the original stone walls, exposed beams and beautiful old solid wood floors. True to Gotland style, the look is pared back and draws heavily on natural, raw materials to connect the living space with the surrounding countryside. Could this be my next home (I've always dreamed of spending a year on Gotland!)? If not, perhaps you can snap it up and we can all come and visit? Teamwork friends, teamwork! 

Imagine having bones like these to play with? Mesmerising! 

My mind has immediately wondered back to the days we spent on Gotland last summer. Have you ever visited this island? If not, it's definitely one to add to your future travel files! 

In the meantime, here are a few other houses on the island to feel inspired by: 

A rustic summer cottage on Gotland

A charming 19th century house

A Former Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage

Your island retreat

Have a lovely day friends!

Niki

Photography: Fantastic Frank

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A Magical Farmhouse on a Hill In Vermont

One magical, sunny day in 2014, photographer James Gardiner and I made our way up a long, winding track in Vermont, USA. Eventually we came to a clearing, and there at the top of the hill amidst 100 acres of luscious New England pasture stood Nadine Dole's farmhouse. We spent the day shooting the house known as 'The Hill' for my book Modern Pastoral (now re-named to Relaxed Rustic). It would be a day I'll never forget. 

The remote farmhouse is simply furnished with a mixture of antiques, handmade items, vintage finds and wonderful pieces of art. Natural materials and a neutral colour scheme unify the eclectic pieces and work in harmony with the surroundings. The windows open inward and upward, filling the living space with a wonderful cool breeze - and providing uninterrupted views over open fields towards distant mountain ranges. 

Meals and afternoon tea are enjoyed at a 19th century pine harvest dining table. The natural woven seating of the dining chairs is slowly coming unraveled, enhancing the relaxed nature of the home. 

The kitchen is simple yet purposeful and made entirely from salvaged items. 

A row of linen aprons (this lovely linen apron* is similar) in muted makes a delightful display on the back wall. Vintage rolling pins are stored in the pockets. 

A Kasanof's & Paramount Bakeries tin bought in an antique store sits above the green armoire. The impressive 'Blueberry' painting is by John Young. 

Nadia collects art from all over the world. The nude portrait was found in a brocante (a secondhand market) in Maussane, France. Dried honeycombs found in the garden in winter rest on a table found at auction. 

An old schoolhouse light hangs above an ornate mirror and porcelain sink and a simple lion claw tub provides a perfect place for a soak while looking out over the pastures, where black bears, coyotes, wild deer and chickens wander freely. 

You can see more pictures of Nadia's magical home in my book Relaxed Rustic (formerly known as Modern Pastoral). 

I also love following Nadia's latest projects on her instagram. 

If you're as taken with her style as much as I am, you might also like to keep an eye out for one of her workshops - and if you're lucky enough to be in the area a little birdie tells me she might be opening a small shop, cafe or bakery (or perhaps all three?) soon! 

Discover other incredible country homes in the archive! 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

PS There's currently a give-away over on instagram to win Relaxed Rustic along with five other interior books. 

PPS If you are one of the first to pick up a copy of Relaxed Rustic online and enjoy it, I'd be so happy if you could leave a review - thank you so much :)

Credit: Relaxed Rustic by Niki Brantmark, published by CICO Books (19.99 GBP). Photography by James Gardiner - copyright CICO Books. 

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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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