A Soulful Cottage in the Wilds of Bruny Island

Those of you who are regular followers of MSH will know that not every home I show is actually located in Scandinavia. In fact, I have a particular penchant for homes Down Under, Tasmania to be specific. And today I'm taking things one step further.

This home is on a small island off Tasmania, which is pretty much as far from Sweden as it's possible to get without starting to come back again! But hey, geography has never stopped me dreaming. I've promised myself I'll make it there one day. And for those of you who get there before me, here's a stay that would be very hard to resist.

On the southern tip of Bruny Island, interior stylist Tess Newman Morris and her husband Jack have transformed a century-old timber cottage into a wonderfully soulful retreat. Built around 1906 and perched above Little Taylors Bay, Fairweather stole Tess's heart the moment she saw it. She and her family bought it in 2018 and spent the next seven years slowly restoring it, largely themselves, using reclaimed timber, salvaged windows and doors, antique furniture and natural materials.

Rather than making the cottage feel new, Tess wanted to return it to something simpler, calmer and more handcrafted. The result is beautifully understated, with waxed timber floors, vintage pieces, natural fibres and plenty of breathing space, all surrounded by the wild landscape of Bruny Island. Days here are shaped by the sea, changing skies, sea eagles and dolphins, and for Tess there's an added emotional connection too, since her late mother once lived in a nearby bay.

Today, Fairweather is less about polished perfection and more about switching off, slowing down and feeling completely immersed in nature. Or, as Tess puts it, "Time feels different there, like the rest of the world is on pause."

Ready to take the tour? Photographer Lisa Cohen captured these beautiful images, so let's take a look inside...

Incredible! I can’t think of a better place to spend a weekend... can you? Actually, scrap that. The rugged wilderness, the beautiful, relaxed interior and the views have me wanting to settle in and stay a while.

Definitely one to save for my future ‘gap year’ on the other side of the world. It might be a long time coming, but oh, it’s coming!

Is there anything that struck you about Fairweather?

And if you fancy experiencing it for yourself, you can find Fairweather Bruny Island on Airbnb and book a stay.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Interior styling: Tess Newman Morris
Photography: Lisa Cohen

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5 extra-cosy Scandinavian cottages in the snow

The snow arrived in Sweden yesterday and oh, how I scoured the web for a snow cottage to share with you today. But alas, it’s been a cazry week and an equally crazy day, and I’ve completely run out of time. And now, with it being 5pm on a Friday night — and our own getaway beckoning this weekend (we really need to hit the road soon; with all the ice, it’s getting more and more treacherous after dark!) — I thought I’d share a throwback to five beautiful, extra-toasty Scandinavian cottages and cabins in the snow with you instead.

I hope they put you in a cosy, wintery mood! 

1. Hanna's Finnish country home in the snow at Christmas

2. A Swedish log cabin by a (iced-over) lake

3. A Swedish country home in snowy North Sweden

4. Pretty DIY Christmas decorting ideas from a Swedish country house

5. A cosy off-grid cabin in Lapland

How wonderful! Is there anything better than a log cabin in the snow with a roaring fire, a ton of books, and a stack of games?

Speaking of which, it’s time for us to head down to Ystad! I hope you have a wonderful weekend — and stay warm if it’s as cold where you are as it is here.

I’m looking forward to getting started with some more Christmassy posts next week… it’s time!

Niki

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A Charming Cottage in the Heart of Södermanland

Hej there, friends! How are you today? I thought we could spend this bright Wednesday in autumn taking a peek inside a cosy cottage in the heart of Södermanland.

Welcome to Mosstorp Marieberg – a place where time seems to slow down and everyday life gently makes room for peace and stillness. This charming red cottage with its traditional white trims dates back to 1909 and has been carefully renovated over the years, always with great respect for its original soul. And it’s the kind of house that instantly makes you feel at ease.

Inside, the 53-square-metre (570-square-feet) home feels both bright and welcoming – full of character yet wonderfully relaxed and pared-back. There’s a cosy kitchen and a living room complete with a fireplace – perfect for those crisp Swedish autumn evenings - and bedrooms where everyone bunks up (after all, there's always room for one more in a Swedish summer cottage!). Keep an eye out for the choice of colour, no doubt inspired by the home of beloved Swedish artist Carl Larsson. 

Oh, and did I mention this lovely cottage is for sale? And those lucky enough to make it theirs will get a wonderful bonus: not one, but two extra buildings. There’s a converted storage shed that doubles as a guest room, and a separate guest cottage – ideal for visiting grandparents, older children (I do love it when everyone can be together, but not too together, don’t you?), or anyone seeking a quiet space to work remotely (Stockholm is only an hour away, after all). How great does that sound? 

Let's take the tour so you can decide for yourself! 

Wonderful in every way! It has just the relaxed nature I love. 

And how pretty is that little gazebo for meals and 'fika' (coffee and cake)? Perfect for rainy days when it's still mild in the air. 

Could you imagine flitting about in this home - and perhaps inviting friends up for the weekend? 

Are you up for a little Autumn home inspiration today? Check out these spaces: 

Autumn ideas from Laura and Nora's country home

11 autumn ideas to steal from a hyggeligt Danish home

5 cosy autumn ideas from a Swedish country home

Have a cosy Wednesday!

Niki

Images courtesy of Svenskt Fastighetsförmedling, with thanks.

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A Swedish Cottage Straight from an Astrid Lindgren Story

While the city might be a little dark and grey right now, the countryside is bursting with vibrant autumn colours, and country homes are truly having their moment. Cue: endless daydreams about swapping city streets for gravel driveways and apple trees (it’ll likely never happen, of course, but it’s fun to imagine!).

That’s exactly where my mind wandered when I stumbled upon this dreamy house in Malmby, west of Stockholm. The fairy tale-like property dates back to 1927 and feels like something straight out of an Astrid Lindgren story. 

And something extra special happens when a house like this finds the right owner, and this one clearly has. Green is the colour of choice throughout, flowing from the conservatory and kitchen to the living room and bedroom. It’s a calm, grounded shade that ties the whole home together, natural, timeless and wonderfully traditional. 

Meanwhile, every corner tells a story: a ceramics collection lined up on the windowsill, a cupboard brimming with textiles, patterned upholstery and curtains, and perfectly chosen vintage pieces. It’s the kind of home that feels cherished. I can’t help but hope the next owner will treasure it just as much. Could that be you? Take the tour… but fair warning, you might just fall in love!

Wonderful – so much soul! Did you feel it too?

I bet this house is as cosy as can be at this time of year, but it also comes into its own in summertime, when you can throw open all the windows and doors.

Is green your shade? I have surprisingly little of it at home in the city, but I think it’s a particularly lovely shade for a country home. Do you agree?

Would you like to see a few more country homes on this autumn day in November? 

Emilia's laidback Swedish country home
Jessica's idyllic Swedish country croft
A relaxed vintage inspired home in the French countryside

Have a great start to the week and month! Is it really November already?

Niki

Credits: BOSTHLM, with thanks. 

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