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.

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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. 

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Hagestad Nygård: A Dreamy Österlen Farmhouse Full of Character

Hejsan! How was your weekend?

As long-term readers will know, I live in Skåne, in southern Sweden, and this time of year it really comes into its own. Have you been here in summer? The fields are glowing, the beaches fill with life, and the little cafés and farm shops buzz just enough to feel alive, but never rushed.

Tucked into the rolling landscape of Österlen is Hagestad Nygård, a farmstead with over a hundred years of history. Built with care by Esbjörn Persson, it still carries that sense of craftsmanship and calm. And since 2020, it has been cared for with a lovely blend of preservation and gentle modern updates.

The property comprises three separate buildings, which serve as separate dwellings and also a relaxation area, complete with a small, lush indoor pool. And outside, a saltwater pool awaits on warmer days.

The interiors are warm and expressive, with earthy tones, bold accents, and just the right amount of dramatic flair. And each room feels thoughtful, but never staged. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger—throw open a window, make a coffee, and stay awhile.

Oh, and the sea is just a short bike ride away, and villages like Kåseberga and Löderup are nearby, full of character and that Österlen summer energy I always find hard to put into words.

Did I mention this place is actually for sale via Christies? Your new home, perhaps? Take the tour and see for yourself. You might just fall in love.

I love the relaxation part of the property - it's wonderful! Here are a few pictures: 

Such an incredible property! I love the sense of drama in those walls with their rich, time-worn patina.

Lately, I’ve been dreaming of a sunken bath that feels like a little pool. We definitely don’t have the space (or budget) for one—but a girl can dream, right?

What stands out to you most about Hagestad Nygård? Tempted to make it your home? It would be a big life change… but such a good one, don’t you think? You can read more about it and see more pictures here. 

How about a lovely, slow start to the week and a peek at a few more Skånegårds today? 

Step inside a traditional Skånegård in the Swedish countryside
A charming rustic farmhouse in Skåne
A charming farmhouse in southern Sweden

I hope you have a great start to the week!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Christies, with thanks.

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Astrid's Charming Finnish Lakehouse Full of Soul, History, and Vintage Finds

It’s been way too long since I last featured a home from Finland — which is rather shocking, considering how much I adore the country. I visited Helsinki and the Finnish countryside while working on my book The Scandinavian Home*, and fell head over heels. The forests, the lakes, the saunas! It’s such a beautiful, peaceful country.

So, I’m thrilled to take you on a virtual visit today to a truly special home. Perched on the edge of a lake in Ruovesi — a small village near Tampere — this charming house belongs to Astrid Aminoff, her husband Henrik, their two children, and their dog Pablo (who may or may not be the real boss of the house).

The original lakehouse was built in the 1890s, back when its neighbour was none other than Finnish artist Hugo Simberg. It started as a tiny summer cottage, passed down through Henrik’s family. In the 1990s, it got a bit of a boost with an extension, and for the past five years Astrid and Henrik have been slowly and lovingly renovating it to create their dream retreat from which to enjoy the long Finnish summers.

Astrid describes their family as “culturally mixed” — she has British, Scottish, Finnish, and American roots, and Henrik is Finnish-Swedish. This wonderful blend is reflected throughout the home. And the couple has taken a heartfelt, sustainable approach to renovating: reusing old materials, snapping up vintage finds, and working within a tight budget. Think Danish furniture, Finnish Arabia ceramics, some lovely British pieces, and a vinyl collection that brings serious soul.

So without further ado — Tervetuloa (welcome) to Astrid’s charming lakeside house! Let’s step inside...

What a beautiful home — so unique, steeped in family history, and set in the most incredible location. Can you imagine spending your summers gazing out over that peaceful lake? A morning dip, lazy lunches on the terrace, the sound of birds in the trees… absolute bliss!

Did anything catch your eye?

If you’d like to see more glimpses of Astrid’s home and follow their ongoing renovations, pop over to @thefinnishhouse — it’s a real treat.

Fancy diving deeper into Finnish living? These lovely apartments and houses are well worth a peek:

Pia's cosy country home in snowy Finland
Maiju's delightful home Vaasa, Finland
Kaati's rustic 19th century log house 

Wishing you all a happy Wednesday — or as they say in Finnish, Hyvää keskiviikkoa!

Niki

Photography by Astrid / @thefinnishhouse, shared with kind permission

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