A Dreamy Escape To Rent in Kefalonia, Greece

A quick show of hands from everyone who'd rather be somewhere else today? As I sit at my desk all weary eyed (I haven't had my morning coffee yet!) I'm dreaming about an escape to this incredible Péra Perou villas Kefelonia, Greece. I mean, who wouldn't rather wake up here? The good news is there's space for all! The property is divided into three villas each decorated with a minimalist yet earthy vibe, and designed to enjoy the incredible vista over wild, rugged mountains and sparkling emerald waters. The question is, how quickly can we get there? 

I love the seamlessness between the indoor and outdoor space. Notice how the outdoor seating area is sunken so it doesn't obscure the view from indoors. 

How's this for a suite? It offers a natural progression from sleeping, to sitting and then heading outdoors. And even has a romantic fireplace for winter visits. I've always dreamed about having a fireplace in the bedroom! 

Walls that are rich in patina are having a moment right now. But this feels like it's true natural habitat! I'm a huge fan of kalklitir lime paint for most areas of the home. Tadelakt is your best bet since it will give you the same affect while remaining waterproof. 

The decor is so well thought out (both indoors and out) - and is beautifully simple. I love the way it mirrors the surroundings - and allows the vista to shine. 

Gaaaah, take me there now! I want to be the girl in the pool! 

Are you tempted? 

If you're up for a little more dreaming today, pull up a seat and scroll through the holiday home archive, there are SO many dreamy places in there. 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Photography: Ioanna Roufopoulou / Péra Perou

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A Cosy Vintage-inspired Holiday Cottage On The Sapphire Coast

Have you got any holiday plans coming up? In the Brantmark household we're feeling crazily excited about a trip to Mallorca to visit my sister and the girls' cousins in the first week of November. It will be officially the first week of the winter season there, but we're confident it will be an improvement on the Swedish weather, what do you reckon? 

Even so, a trip to Australia and New Zealand remains high up on my list for the future. One day friends, one day! In the meantime, I shall keep adding charming holiday rentals to my archive. And this one is a beauty! Located half way between Sydney and Melbourne in Pambula, New South Wales, Lotte's Hjem is a beloved 150 year old weatherboard cottage beautifully restored by partners Harrison Balodis and Miranda O'Rourke, which they then generously opened up as a holiday rental. 

Anyone who visits can expect to sit back and celebrate the simple pleasures in life such as collecting fresh flowers and seasonal herbs from the garden, reading by firelight and enjoying a morning coffee on the veranda - surrounded by beautiful vintage pieces and family heirlooms. While travel to Australia might be off the cards right now, there's nothing to stop us in the future - and for now, it's just to sit back and dream! 

Who's in? 

It looks like such a perfect place to unwind, doesn't it? Plus, it makes me want to spend the weekend strolling around Swedish 'loppis' (flea markets) - I think I'll do just that! 

Read more about the philosophy behind a stay at Lotte's Hjem here. 

Fancy dreaming about other Australian and Tasmanian haunts this today? Here are a few others I've earmarked: 

Dream stay: a Swedish weatherboard cottage in South Australia 

An idyllic holiday home and garden by Lynda Gardner 

Captains Cottage, a Bolthole in Tasmania

A cosy hideaway by the sea (wait till you see the bathroom!)

How wonderful, I do love a little holiday home dreaming, how about you? 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Lotte's Hjem with thanks.  

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Cabin Escape: A Dreamy Scandi Inspired Ski chalet in Whitefish

The whole of Sweden is blanketed in snow right now - and the temperatures are well below minus for the foreseeable future (at least according to the 10-day weather forecast). In Malmö, everyone is breathing a sigh of relief and the children are rushing out with their sleds. For the first time in quite few years, we're being treated to 'a real winter'.  This calls for a snowy cabin, don't you think? And The Nooq fits the bill perfectly. Described on Airbnb (yes, this beauty is available to rent!) as a 'Scandinavian minimalist ski chalet', the Nook is a ski in / walk out retreat on the slopes of Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana, USA. I could totally imagine skiing in - all rosy cheeked from the fresh mountain air - enjoying a casserole by the fire before a long soak in the bath looking out over the forest. 'Walking out' would be a different story. I mean, would you ever want to leave? 

Heaven! 

Could you imagine checking-in here? 

I miss the mountains so much - do you? Or perhaps like Swede Bettina Kapare you're lucky enough to live somewhere like The Alps? 

If you're feeling the snowy cabin love today - here are a few others to feast your eyes on:

A cosy candlelit cabin in Norway

A little Danish cabin in the woods

A stunning white farmhouse in the snow

Wishing you all a relaxing day! Stay warm fellow Swedes and everyone else feeling the chill right now! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of The Nooq - shared with kind permission. 

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Beautiful Stays: A Hundred-Year-Old Workman's Cottage

What's the temperature like where you are? In Malmö it's lovely and sunny and I did actually witness someone take a dip in the sea earlier. BUT they did need to withstand -2 C (and that's without the windchill!). Meanwhile, Down Under I'm guessing the waters are exactly the right temperature. Which is why I found my mind wondering to Dubbo, NSW, Australia today. Admittedly, this is because I've found a perfect place to stay. The Repose is owned and managed by Bede and Jemima Aldridge, co-founders of boutique Saddler & Co and Ric and Moir Jones. The four spent two years renovating the hundred-year-old property by hand, with Jemima taking the lead on the design, before opening the doors to guests. And what a great job they've done! Think whitewashed cladding, vintage touches as well as a dreamy bathroom and European-inspired courtyard. Did I mention that there's always a local bottle of wine waiting for you too? We're all aware that travelling to Oz is not an option right now, but if we close our eyes, we might just feel the warm sun on our skin while we sip wine in the courtyard. Or you could just keep your eyes open and feel inspired by the design that oozes from every image. Either way, you're in for a treat! 

"We all have European heritage and I purposefully ensured the cottage has interwoven elements that reference our love for 'gezellig' interiors and also the Australian quintessential cottage charm."

- Jemima Aldridge 

"Many of the items featured throughout are by Australian artisan designers, but the house also features a rather lovely custom brass lamp by Wo and Wé Collection as well as table linen and blankets by Timeless Linen."

The luxury bathroom features an original clawfoot tub restored with care, brass tap ware, original artwork, as well as complimentary Aesop hair and skin formations (now you're talking!). 

How lovely! I'd be happy to check in and stay for a while, how about you?

The decor makes me want to head off and for a 'loppisrunda' (flea market tour) - second-hand pieces add so much to a space don't you think? And of course, there's all that wonderful linen! 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Find out more about The Repose here. 

Other beautiful homesteads Down Under can be found here (keep an eye out for the 'before and after' and other dreamy guest houses). 

Har det så fint! 

Niki

Photographs: 1. The Repose 2. Lean Timms 3 - 8. Abbie Mellé 9 - 10. Lean Timms 11- 12. Alana Landsberry 13. The Repose

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A Weekend of Solitude at a Dreamy Island Hideaway

Recognise this place? I first featured beautiful Satellite island in 2016 and was completely blown away. It's been my dream to visit this remote and rugged island off the southern coast of Tasmania ever since. Sadly, I've yet to make it Down Under yet, but I know a girl who has. Twice! The lucky woman in question is travel photographer Kara Rosenlund, who completely fell in love with the island five years ago - and decided to return to capture the wilderness and pure solitude. Kara spent her days waking to the sound of low-flying gulls and the gentle lapping of the waves, foraging for fresh Tasmanian oysters  - and watching the sunset over the water. I couldn't think ion a more heavenly way to spend a weekend, can you? Here are here snapshots: 

So incredibly beautiful - what a dream! 

Could you imagine spending your weekend here?

Interestingly, Per just walked past my computer screen and thought this cabin was somewhere in Scandinavia (if only!) - perhaps that's why it's stuck with me all these years? 

More info about Satellite island can be found here. And you can see more of Kara's incredible photography here - and her lovely prints are available in her online store. 

Shall we compete the week with a tour of a few more island hideaways? Here are a few I dream about on grey, dreary January days: 

A cosy hideaway by the sea

The ocean-view whale song shack 

An off-the-grid shack on Bruny Island

A charming and relaxed swedish cabin by the sea

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Photography: Kara Rosenlund found via Lobster & Swan with thanks

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