Dream Airbnb Stay: A Swedish Weatherboard Cottage In South Australia

"She who comes here, finds what's lost." This is the opening line on the 'about' page of My Sister & the Sea'. And looking at the pictures of this beautiful white weatherboard cottage and its surroundings, I can well imagine it's true! The little cottage is owned by sisters Sarah and Emma who have enjoyed endless family holidays here with 'sandy feet, long meals, naps on daybeds, swimming.... dreaming, laughing and loving." Nestled in the small town of Marion Bay on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, the cottage was actually moved from Sweden by the Australian government many years ago. The sisters visited Sweden together to draw as much inspiration as possible for the interior. Today, Airbnb guests are invited to come enjoy the white interior, indoor and outdoor bathing under the stars and a fireplace." Sound like heaven? Step this way!   

True to its Swedish heritage, the sisters have dotted the living space with remnants collected from their coastal walks. A plant has been trained to climb the window - just like you see in many Scandinavian homes (see this and this home as an example!). 

Rattan fans* make beautiful wall art.

A simple wall lamp from IKEA serves as a reading lamp over the day bed which has been covered in striped linen* and a mix of grey and olive green cushions. 

In the dining area, a basket hangs from a hook on the side of a vintage cabinet for extra storage and a classic Scandinavian brass candlestick holder* awaits dusk on the table. 

A glass cabinet is ideal for keeping books and other treasures dust free, while s simple tree trunk serves as a side table beside a canvas safari chair. 

A simple wall-hanging made from shells and striped bed linen* add a beachy vibe to the bedroom. 

In the back yard, various vintage chairs have been arranged around a farmhouse table, while a simple striped deck chair allows for a little alone time with a book! 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? In my mind, I'm already there! 

I'm sure it would be equally magical in the winter, watching the waves crash against the rugged coast and reading by the fire. 

One to add to the travel list for the days when we can move freely again! 

Check it out on Airbnb, visit their website My Sister And The Sea and feel inspired by their instagram @readandhall. 

Curious to see other Airbnb stays I've added to my (dream) itinerary when I travel down under? 

Australia:

Dreamy holiday let: a cosy waterside eco cabin

A charming miner's cottage amongst an acre of roses

A beautiful boho cottage in Byron Bay

The White House Daylesford

Tasmania:

The Shack: A super cosy cabin on Bruny Island

Captains cottage: A cosy bolthole in Hobart

A Dreamy little cottage by the sea

Have I got you dreaming too?

Niki

Photography: Marnie Hawson

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Hang Out Here: A Dreamy Rustic Loft Under Swaying Palms!

I mentioned yesterday that the weather in Sweden is not great right now - at least, not what you would call 'summer' (a high of 16 degrees (60 Fahrenheit) today - and we live in the South!). The first response tends to be to batten down the hatches at the summer cottage and scurry back to the city. The second for some, if the rain really persists, is to book a last-minute summer holiday abroad! No easy feat this year. So, instead, I'll be dreaming of days at this luxury loft for two, a few steps from a pristine, white sandy beach on the island of Holbox, Quintana Too, Mexico. If the dreamy, cool white interior with boho touches of wood and rattan doesn't grab you - the double bed on the terrace surrounded by swaying palms is sure to seal the deal. The question is, what book to take?! 

At Casa Impala, it's natural all the way - from the concrete floors to the handwoven lighting. We might not all be able to travel right now, but I for one, will be stealing a few ideas to bring a touch of the tropics to my own home!

The mattress stands on a simple wooden structure and a simple cotton beige throw with a pom pom fringe* helps to break up the sea of white and add balance to the room. 

I love this white blanket with pom poms* too (just saying!). 

I'd happily work away from this spot by the window - although I have to admit it would be hard to concentrate with the waves beckoning in the distance!

I love that this loft has two outdoor spaces - one for lounging, another for an evening drink!

The stool reminds me of the ones I use as a bedside table (these vintage stools* are similar).

Those stairs! 

I'd happily hang out here for a loooong time. It could even prompt me to write another book (it would make an amazing writer's retreat, don't you think?!). 

Could you imagine hanging out here under the swaying palms too? 

Read more about Casa Impala onAirbnb! 

Did you get any ideas for your own home? In the advent of the current 'staycation' climate, I've been adding basket bags, straw hats and any other tropical vibes I can think of to my My own home! 

Oh, and in case you're putting together a holiday folder for 2021 or simply looking for some 'tropical' inspiration for your own home - you'll love the holiday home rental and design hotel archives. Perfect for a little dreaming until the sun decides to shine again! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Casa Impala / Airbnb

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A Beautiful Farm Stay With a Pared-Back Rustic Vibe

I hope you had a lovely weekend? We enjoyed a magical midsummer at a friend's cottage in Båstad (pronounced B-or-stard - in case you were wondering!!). It had everything I featured in Thursdays 'midsommar round-up' - including the famous four seasons in one day (the Swedish weather gods treated us to 27 degrees celsius and sunshine, a hail storm and thunder and lightning) - a true Swedish midsummer! We're staying at our own cottage for a few days now - and will stay put in Sweden the entire summer- but it doesn't stop me from drooling over ideas for future holidays abroad! In case you're in the same boat, you might just want to archive this wonderful farm stay in Portugal. Surrounded by vast fields in the beautiful Alentejo region, Herdade Cucumbi is a guest house offering four bedrooms and three apartments with a pared-back, rustic interior and a lovely Scandinavia meets Portugal vibe. Oh, and you might just like to enjoy a book and aperitif by the pool too! 

Something for 2021 perhaps? Perhaps I'll see you by the pool! Make mine a Ginjinha! 

You can read more about this wonderful hotel here. 

Curious about other travel destinations? 

You'll find a ton of amazing design hotels in this archive and might also come across some pared- back, rustic holiday homes stays in here too! 

While on the subject of holidays, one of the things that has struck me during the pandemic is how I've been inspired to adapt my home to feel more like a holiday home. I mean, why wait until we can travel (even cross country) - when we can bring a touch of sunshine to our own homes? I hope the rustic and natural touches in this hotel might inspire you to adapt your living space a little too!

Niki

Photography Sanda Vuckovic found via SF Girl By Bay with thanks. 

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A Dreamy Hidden Gem In Menorca, Spain

This summer we planned to visit my sister and nieces who live on the island of Mallorca, Spain - who knows, maybe we'll make it later on in the year, I really hope so. But for now, I'll allow this beautiful Menorcan finca to whisk us away to the sunny climes of the wonderful Balearic Islands instead - come and join me! Let's dream of days by that pool with friends and family, casually trailing a hand through the cool water while we sip on a granizado. And when the midday sun starts to scorch - a cool, calm interior awaits for that all-important siesta! Ready to visit the hill top 19th century Es Bec d'Aguila? Let's go! 

 

Gaaaah, so lovely! 

I've never been to Menorca, even though it's not that far from Mallorca, but I've heard that it's a rugged, beautiful island and it's high on my list. Have you been?

If you plan on going, maybe this finca is one to squirrel away in the holiday file? You can find all the details here. 

Shall we pour ourselves another granizado and do a little more holiday dreaming today? Don your sunhat, and enjoy these beautiful places that await. After all, this too shall pass.  

A bohemian style hideaway in the desert

A rustic summer cottage on the swedish island of Gotland

Loll about at The Chalet, Byron Bay

Not too keen on the heat? How about this cool, Icelandic hideaway on the coast? 

Sending lots of love to family and friends in Spain today, we're all thinking of you.  

Niki

Photography courtesy of Es Bec d'Aguila - found via Style Files with thanks. 

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A Rustic Summer Cottage On The Swedish Island of Gotland

Thank you for sharing all your thoughts on Thursday. I've been thinking about you all and also how to approach all of this here on MSH. After some thought, I've decided to do what I (hope I) do best: provide somewhere where we can all come each day, pour a coffee, put our feet up and feel inspired - even if just for a few moments at a time. What do you think? 

With that in mind, today we're heading on a virtual trip to the Swedish island of Gotland. I paid my first visit during our Baltic sailing trip last summer (you can read / see pictures of our trip here) and I've been dreaming about it ever since. Located off the east coast of Sweden, the island offers everything you can possibly imagine: breath-taking scenery, rolling hills, great swathes of deserted sandy beaches, roads lined with banks of wildflowers, hundreds of ateliers, galleries and farm shops, you name it! It's a truly magical place! 

Tempted to add this to your 'future holidays' file? If so, this traditional limestone cottage with pretty blue window frames is waiting for you! It sleeps 8 and made up of a main house and guest house both of which have been decorated in a charming pared-down, rustic way. Oh, and it has a heated pool (after all, the Swedish summer can be highly suspect at times!). Ready for the tour? 

Beautiful!

This is EXACTLY my type of holiday home! Could you imagine staying here too?

Have you been to Gotland? If not I can highly recommend it, and when you do, this place is available to rent through Airbnb (totally one to add to your list!).

In the meantime, here is some more beautiful inspiration from the island:

A charming 19th century house on Gotland
A relaxed Swedish summer cabin by the sea
Your island retreat on the island of Gotland
A pared back Swedish summer house on Gotland
A Beautiful Gotland home in soothing shades of grey

And if you'd like to add one thing to your own home to get a taste of the island - and feel that little more cosy, it's a Gotland sheepskin throw*. I've had mine for 5 years and it's invaluable!

Think I might just go back and look through my pictures of our trip to the Blekinge archipelago and Gotland again and re live it!

Nothing like starting the week with a little dreaming, don't you think?

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Airbnb. 
*Affiliate link

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