Finding Calm in a Swedish Forest Cabin

It appears another week has just swished by — blink and it’s Friday again. I’m very ready to hit pause a little this weekend and chill. While we’ll probably be in Malmö, my heart’s already halfway to the forest… ideally parked in a cosy Landet cabin with zero plans except maybe snacks, fresh air, and wearing the comfiest knit I own.

In Swedish, landet basically means “the countryside,” but it’s more than that — it’s about sneaking off somewhere calm and relaxed. That’s exactly what Landet is all about: a true escape without any of the faff. Think nature, fresh air, good design, and zero stress. 

The cabins themselves are dotted around some of Sweden’s most beautiful rural spots — close enough to get to easily, but far enough to feel like you’ve actually escaped. It’s the brainchild of Ted and Umberto, who were looking to help others to enjoy the Swedish countryside without needing to own a cottage (or chop wood, unless you want to). You can sauna, do yoga, take long walks, drink coffee on the deck, or just do absolutely nothing at all — which honestly sounds perfect to me! 

Ready to take a peek at what would be instore?

And relax. 

Could you also imagine spending your weekend here? 

Inhale, exhale and read more about a stay at landet cabins here.

Meet you at the sauna? 

Have a wonderful weekend friends, thank you so much for stopping by this little corner of the web and for all your lovely comments - I'll get back to you soon! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Landet, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

6

Who’s Ready For an Off-grid Cabin Escape?

Goddag! What better way to start the week than with a little escape? A girl’s got to dream, right? And this little cabin in Devon, England, is the perfect retreat to rest and recharge for a few days.

The off-grid cabin might not have all the mod cons, but it does offer a cosy bed with a wonderful view, a crackling wood-burning stove, and an outdoor copper bath – perfect for soaking while you gaze at the scenery or lose yourself in a good read.

Did I mention that the dark wood-clad interior has been decorated with the utmost taste too?

Welcome to Rest & Wild in Exmoor. 

Hands up – who’d happily trade their current plans for the week for a stay here? My arm shoots up!

Bliss… and honestly, exactly what I could do with right now.

In fact, I was having an interesting chat with someone last week about the difference between what you do for fun and what you do to rejuvenate. I really believe those are two very different things – would you agree?

For me, to truly rejuvenate, I love being somewhere quiet. Going back to basics. Surrounded by nature. It could be the coast, it could be the mountains – really anywhere where the scenery takes over and everything else fades into the background.

What about you – what’s your favourite way to recharge?

Shall we take a peek at a few other cabin escapes today?

Cosy off-grid living in Lapland, Sweden
A rustic hideaway in a disused railway carriage
Leanne Ford's wonderful woodsy cabin

Have a wonderful start to the week! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Rest & Wild, with thanks.

READ MORE...

3

From Foraged Feasts to Fireside Reads – A Cosy Island Getaway Near Bergen

On my way to the studio this morning, I felt the first crisp bite of autumn – a puff of mist curling from my lips, and a favorite knit pulled down over my hands to keep them warm. Glove season has arrived, along with October.

And so, I thought it was the perfect moment to share the first glimpse of “snow” here on My Scandinavian Home – in the form of a dreamy island escape in Norway: Lilløy Lindenberg. Lilløy means “little island,” and while it lies quietly near Bergen, there’s nothing little about the experience.

From what I read, guests who arrive by boat are welcomed into a world where time slows down. You can feast on foraged, plant-based meals, kayak through still waters, go Nordic snorkeling among seaweed gardens, or simply wander the island paths. And then, when the outdoors has worked its magic, retreat inside: the interiors are a love letter to Nordic craft, filled with handmade ceramics, seaweed-stuffed mattresses, locally blown glassware, and artworks by Bergen artists. Everything has been carefully restored using natural materials, so the old house feels rooted in history while quietly modern.

I also love the story behind the place. The island’s main house had stood unused since the late 1980s, until the Lindenberg team reimagined it as a retreat with a creative soul. Early on, it even hosted artist residencies, and that spirit lingers – you can sense it in the way the spaces invite you to write, paint, dream, or just sit still by the fire with a book.

Ready to take a look at what awaits?

Wow – what an incredible place to unwind. Honestly, this might just be my ultimate dream escape! Could you imagine staying here too?

I’m already picturing myself enjoying a foraged meal cooked on the old aga – though I’ll happily admit the Nordic snorkelling isn’t quite for me (Per and the girls call me a real badkruka – Swedish for someone who either avoids cold dips altogether or takes forever to ease themselves in!). A book by the fire, though – that would suit me just fine. How about you?

You can find more about Lilløy Lindenberg – and even book a stay – here (just saying!).

And if you’re in the mood for more daydreaming, I’ve gathered a few of my other favourite Scandinavian stays for you to explore…

My stay at Villa Copenhagen
A magical stay at Wanås sculpture park 
A romantic weekend at Vårgård Saltsjöbad in the Stockholm archipelagos

I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, happy dreaming! 

Niki

Photography: Robert Rieger & Jack Johns for Lilløy Lindenberg

READ MORE...

20

A Serene Swedish Lakeside Cottage Escape

It’s Friday, friends – time for a little weekend dreaming. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend it in a pretty traditional Swedish cottage, gazing out over a lake?

When you have views like this one over Älvsjön, you really don’t need much in the way of décor. This lovely cottage has been deliberately pared back so that the sweeping vistas across the water take centre stage.

In this small but special selection of images, it’s clear that life here is all about the simple things: lingering over long summer evenings, gathering with loved ones, and just being. Picture white wood-panelled walls, a touch of stripes, a pair of binoculars by the window, a wonderful terrace, and even a little guest house right by the water’s edge.

And the best part? It’s only 1 hour and 45 minutes from Stockholm – making it the perfect weekend getaway. The perfect place to clear the mind, recharge the soul, and slip into the easy rhythm of lake life.

Could you imagine relaxing here this weekend?

If you’d like to keep dreaming, here are a few more lovely lake-side home tours from the archive: 

Anna and Martin's tiny home built cottage floating on a lake
A Swedish house on a hill with lovely lake views
A Scandi-inspired lakeside cabin in Norfolk, UK

Or better still, buy it! What are Fridays for, if not for a little spontaneity! 

Joking aside, it’s hard to believe it’s already the last few days of August. At our own cottage, the leaves on the oak tree are just beginning to turn brown — a gentle reminder that autumn is on its way. Even so, the water is still surprisingly warm, so we’re hoping to spend a few more days up here, soaking up the late summer sun while I try to forget about the 10 km run  I signed up for tomorrow evening in a moment of madness. Gaaaah! Wish me luck, I'll need it! 

I hope you have some fun plans for the weekend too?

Thank you, as always, for all your kind comments. It’s such a joy to read them, and I’m hoping to find a little quiet time later to respond to each and every one.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Trevlig helg!

Niki

Credits: Sjönära, shared with thanks.

READ MORE...

14

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. 

READ MORE...

15