A Cosy Danish Beach House Reatreat in the Dunes

It's 'höstlov' (half term) next week, and friends are heading off to various places near and far. I love this time of year in Sweden. There's still a warm wind coming off the sea, the leaves are a vibrant array of colours, and a staycation is very much called for. Although we're likely heading to our own little cabin, I can't help but think how wonderful it would be to spend a week at this delightful cottage in the dunes of Tornby Beach, a wide stretch of sand on the North Sea coast of Jutland.

For Anke and her husband, staying among the dunes was more than just a holiday dream. They longed to wake up to the sound of the surf, wander barefoot down to the water for an early morning swim, and enjoy coffee in their bathrobes with uninterrupted views of the sea. In 2024, that dream became a reality when they discovered Rylereden ("The Crow's Nest"), a charming summer house tucked into a hollow between the dunes at Tornby Strand.

Dating back to the 1930s and protected as a historic building, the tiny cottage has been lovingly restored while retaining all its original character. Flooded with sunlight and sheltered from the North Sea winds, it's a place where life's simple pleasures take centre stage. Let's take a peek inside (and at the beautiful surroundings) and dream of a week at this enchanting Danish retreat. Who knows, a stay might just become reality for one of us!

One to save to the holiday list, surely? I mean, I could actually live here ALL year round, going to sleep to the sound of the waves, waking up to the sun rising over the sea. How about you?

You can find Anke's beautiful cabin to rent here. 

Did you see the simple stove? We have one of those in our cabin (although a slightly more modern version), and it works so well. Plus, it encourages you to make simpler food, which is great in its own way! I also love how the cabin has been furnished with vintage finds. It really adds to the relaxed feel of both the cabin and mirrors its surroundings.

Would you like to see more Danish coastal properties today? Here are a few I love:

A Danish ceramist's house by the sea

A light and airy Danish cabin by the sea

A windswept Danish cabin in the dunes

It's been a bit of a fraught week, hence this late post, but I hope it was worth the wait! Since it's the school holidays next week, I'll be taking a little time out with my family ad back again the week after.

Thank you, as always, for dropping by and for all your wonderful comments and emails. I love reading them all!

Oh, and if you feel like doing a little shopping next week, don't forget to make the most of your discount with the small Finnish furniture company Nordlif (code NIKI10). It expires at the end of the month. You can see my coffee table here (and it's available here).

Have a wonderful week!

Niki

Photography Mette Johnson / Gastraum

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A Beautiful Former Chapel on Gotland Turned Airbnb

Gotland has been on my mind lately! Any long-term readers will know that I fell head over heels in love with this beautiful Swedish island when we sailed there a few years back (see my guide here). The only problem? Living in Malmö, it's always felt a little tricky to get there, so we haven't visited nearly as often as I'd like.

But lately I've been dreaming about a girls' weekend at Sibbjäns, perhaps? Or a stay in a beautiful Airbnb? Which is how I stumbled across this gem!

Welcome to a former Baptist chapel dating back to 1912, in the little village of Fide, around 5 km north of Burgsvik in southern Gotland. Today, it's a much-loved family summer home, which the owners also rent out as an Airbnb. And it's not hard to see why it's become a guest favourite! Sleeping up to eight guests, the property is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with lovely cycling routes, a beach just 2 km away and its very own pool!

Inside, the chapel has been transformed into a wonderfully relaxed home, with soaring ceilings, wood-panelled walls, colourful patterned floors, vintage furniture and quirky artwork. I love the slightly eclectic mix, which feels so personal and full of character. And that glazed veranda looks like the perfect spot for long summer lunches!

Shall we take a peek around?

What a beautiful place! I love all the pattern and the eclectic mix of items which all come together beautifully, and the entire place looks like such a relaxed place to be.

Have you ever visited Gotland? And could you imagine gathering a few friends or family members for a stay in this old chapel? I certainly could! You can find it on Airbnb here, in case you're looking for something for next summer.

Oh, and one tip if you're planning to book an Airbnb in Scandinavia. Guests are often expected to bring their own bed linen and towels, unless otherwise specified, so it's always worth checking before you go.

I suspect this comes from the Swedish summer cottage tradition, where guests often bring their own bedding when staying with friends. It saves the hosts mountains of laundry, especially when washing facilities are limited. A small detail, but definitely worth knowing before you pack your bags!

Thank you so much for stopping by this week, here's to a relaxing weekend ahead!

Happy Friday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks.

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The Coolest Canal-Side Home Stay in Copenhagen

One of the most amazing things about Copenhagen in summertime is that the water around the city is clean enough to swim in. So, if you're planning a visit, make sure you pack your bathers!

Better still, book an Airbnb like this one. Belonging to Astrid Storm and Phil Thornhill, founder of artist agency Next of Kin, this canal-side property is in what Time Out magazine describes as “one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world” and has its own floating deck, where you can sit and watch the boats bob oby over a morning cup of coffee, take a dip, or even borrow a stand-up paddleboard or kayak. The interior is beautifully decorated too, with red elm panelling and many details made by the owners; what’s not to love?

What a perfect pad to return to each day after exploring the city, don't you agree? A holiday within a holiday!

You can find more details about it on Airbnb or @copenhagencanalhouse. 

Have you been to Copenhagen recently? If so, please do feel free to share your favourite things to see and do below for others to feel inspired by! 

Oh, and if you do decide to stay here, make sure you pop over the bridge to Malmö during your visit and come and meet me for a coffee too. It’s only a short hop away!

Kram!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Astrid Storm, with kind permission.

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11 Dreamy Airbnbs in Sweden and Denmark for a Summer Escape

 

Spring is here, and along with the wood anemones, a flurry of emails has started to land in my inbox asking for Airbnb recommendations in Sweden and Denmark. Before the real deluge begins, I thought it would be nice to gather some of my favourites here in one place, many of which you might well recognise from the blog.

From city hideouts and tiny seaside cabins to country pool villas and idyllic island getaways, there’s something for everyone to check into and unwind this summer. And even if you’re not planning a trip, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found in the different styles and settings too!

Simply click on each link to explore the full tour here on the blog. You’ll also find links to book each Airbnb from there.

Ready to explore? Let's kick off with.....

Denmark

A short hop over the bridge from where I live, I visit Copenhagen every Wednesday and it never fails to inspire me. This place looks like the perfect crashpad from which to explore! 

Calling all lovers of design - this apartment in the heart of Copenhagen is a dream. The only problem is, you wouldn't want to leave! 

One of my most viewed posts ever, this little waterside cabin on Zealand, Denmark is the perfect place to unwind with a book! 

If you're feeling intrepid, why not make your way to the Danish island of Anholt and make this little cabin your home for the week? It's the perfect place from which to relax on a white sandy beach or pull up a seat in a boho-style restaurant in the harbour and tap along to live music! 

Sweden

Live like Pippi Longstocking and getaway from it all at this traditional-style country Swedish cottage. 

Go for a quirky, laidback stay at this wonderful, creative stay in Skåne, southern sweden. 

The area of Österlen in south Sweden is popular among artists and comes to life in summer with artisan bakeries, cosy restaurants, galleries and live music - and this is a charming base! 

Escape to the magical island of Gotland this summer and stay in this limestone barn. 

Gotland is famous for it's rugged coastline and beautiful nature - which you'd experience firsthand at this cosy little beach front cabin. 

Connected to the mainland via a bridge, the island of Öland is a summer destination for the Swedish royal family. The palace might not be available on airbnb, but this charming stone cutter's cottage complete with pool is also a wonderful option! 

If you're visiting Stockholm it would be a real pity not to enjoy a few days in the stunning archipelego. I vote for this stay on the island of Dalarö (wait till you see the inside!). 

They are all charming in their own way, and I’m pretty sure you’d have a wonderful stay at any one of them. But did any catch your eye in particular?

Have you visited Sweden or Denmark in the past? If so, do you have a favourite place? Perhaps you even have a favourite Airbnb you would recommend. If so, please do share below.

That's it from me this week. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for all your comments. I can’t wait to find a quiet moment with a coffee this weekend and respond to them all.

Niki

Images courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks.

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