Could This Hygge Danish Log Cabin Be Your Holiday Home?!

Dreaming of a summer in Denmark? This authentic log cabin has just popped up on Airbnb! Situated in the countryside near Asserbo and the coastal resort of Liseleje on North Zealand around 60 km from Copenhagen, the cottage sleeps 10 and comprises a main house and guests house. But the best part? It's owned by Pernille Grønkjær Taatø (who's inspiring coastal home I featured here and charming parent's cottage I captured here) - which means that it's also been decorated in the most impeccable Danish style! As per Scandinavian holiday cottage tradition, the interior is understated and designed for a simple way of life - but also immensely cosy! The fresh white and gentle blue-grey tones are true to Pernille's signature style, while the rich dark wood and stove give the space a lovely, warm, hygge vibe!

The cabin has everything you might need for a long Danish summer - a comfy sofa and chair (Söderhamn), simple dining table, wood burning stove, candles and string lights* for a little hygge on chillier evenings! 

When it comes to holiday homes, Danes often prefer to pick whatever they find in the nearby meadows or along the country lanes. 

A mattress and cushions helps to transform a little nook under the stairs into a chill out zone.

A coffee and reading spot for one - with a candle (of course!). 

 A simple rustic stool* and traditional rag rug* add a cosy touch in the sitting room.

A rattan chair and hooks provide the perfect place to build up a 'chairobe' and never feel the need to put any clothes away (it's summer after all!). 

The guest house is made for bunking down (I'm thinking all the kids!) and relaxing (those fresh white floors, walls and hammocks!). 

Isn't it charming?

I'd be so happy to wile away a summer here, how about you?

More about Pernille's summer home on Airbnb here.

Unavailable the weeks you're looking at? There's also the option of these two lovely cabins on the same coast- or why not hop over the bridge to Sweden and stay at one of these instagrammable places.

Anyone would think I'm trying to entice you to Scandinavia this summer - who me?!

If I haven't managed to persuade you - you could always bring a Scandinavian summer cottage feel to your own home - there's a load of rural retreats to feel inspired by in this archive (I think it's one of my favourites!). Can I stop by for a fika?!

Niki

Photography: Pernille Grønkjær Taatø
*Affiliate links

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An Idyllic Swedish Hide-away On the Island of Dalarö

When I was in Norway a few weeks back, I spotted many lovely houses with a turf roof just like this. Imagine my confusion then, when I discovered this log cabin is actually in Sweden! Yes, in a few week's time, one lucky family of three will be headed to this dreamy Norwegian-style hide-away on the island of Dalarö in the Stockholm archipelago. Tucked away between the forest and sea, the pretty, traditional exterior belies little of the Scandinavian design treasure trove that awaits within! Combine this with a bathroom under the stars, and the residence becomes a perfect oasis from which to enjoy the Scandinavian summer!

Tulip dining table*, Standard chairs* 

Vintage safari chair*

PK22 lounge chair*, Borge Mogensen 2333 sofa, Serge Mouille wall lamp*, Alvar Aalto zebra cushion cover, Adnet mirror

White linen bedding*

 Outdoor furniture from Skagerak

Wooden peg rail, Hammam towel*, linen robe*

How lovely!

Could you imagine getting away from it all over the summer here? I most certainly could! 

I love the outdoor bathroom too - such a big fan of showering under the stars! 

Other delightful Scandinavian summer cottages to dream about today: a charming summer cottage on the Danish island of Fejø, an idyllic Danish summer cottage, a romantic swedish summer cottage and a relaxed cabin in the Stockholm archipelago. 

Tempted to join us for a summer in Sweden? 

20 instagrammable places to stay in Sweden

Stedsans in the woods

Välkommen! 

It's been an early morning start for us today as Per and I are on our way to the Cinque Terra for a few days to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary (thank you for all your suggestions!). I'm so over excited as I absolutely love Italy, it has everything: the history, the scenery, great people, delicious food, good wine, a beautiful coastline, ice cream, coffee.... ! Heaven! 

I hope you have a lovely couple of days too - see you Friday!

Niki

Photography: Jonas Ingerstedt, shared with kind permission. Found via Nordic Design with thanks

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A Striking Holiday House By The Sea in Rural Iceland

Iceland. What an incredible country. Have you been? Per and I had the pleasure of visiting over a decade ago and we were absolutely mesmerised! We took the coastal road South, taking in waterfalls, glaciers, icebergs, and volcanic peaks on one side, and the rugged coastline on the other. Along the way, seals would pop their heads out above the icy waters and eye us over the black sands. The nature was lit by 24-hour sunlight and was as raw, striking and dramatic as you can imagine. After four days we left feeling we'd only just scratched the surface and agreed to return one day. I was reminded of this promise when I stumbled across The Black House this morning. 

   

Located at the foot of mount Hafnarfjäll along the shores of the rugged Snæfellsnes peninsula, the house was designed by Icelandic interior architect Rut Káradóttir. The simple clapboard frame was inspired by the humble 18th century coastal houses typical of the area, which were often treated with natural tar to shield the facade from the harsh climate. Inside, the magical open-plan living space combines a rustic vibe with contemporary touches and the deep, dramatic tones emulate the stark drama outside the window. Enjoy the tour! 

So incredible, don't you think?! 

I think this house is a sign that we need to return and explore more of this incredible Nordic country as soon as possible!

Did I mention it's available as a short-term holiday let too?! I KNOW, RIGHT?! 

FYI - the house sleeps four and is available to rent through Boutique Homes.

Meet you there? 

If you've been to Iceland and have any tips, please do share below! I'd love to hear them! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Boutique Homes.

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A Cosy Summer Cabin In The Swedish Countryside (available to rent!)

Tjena! How was your weekend? I'm feeling so distracted today: the schools have broken up, the warm weather has arrived and the sparkling sea beckons!  It's honestly the best time of the year to be in southern Sweden. Why don't you come and join us?! I wrote a local guide to Malmö here - and if you're a foodie, there's the unique Stedsans in the Woods about an hour away. Better still, if you're travelling as a couple and looking to get away from it all, I spotted that Swedish interior designer and photographer Daniella Witte is renting out her super cosy summer cabin.  Situated near Lomma (which has a wonderful beach), the cosy grey and white summer cabin interior is reminiscent of Daniella's own lovely home, sleeps two and has beautiful vistas over the Scanian countryside.  It's hard to imagine that the structure is made from repurposed steel shipping containers! How incredible is that?!

Daniella has painted an Ivar cabinet from IKEA in the same colour as the walls (Jotun Demidekk S 2502-Y) and added wheels.

I like how Danielle has also painted the hooks (seen above left) in the same colour as the walls - and opted for a kitchen cabinets and a table in a similar colour to keep the look clean and decluttered. 

When you go for a monotone look it's important to add loads of texture. Curtains are great for adding texture, softness and dampening the sound. 

A white bed skirt and natural bed linen* add a lovely freshness to the space. As you've no doubt noticed, linen is a massively popular material in Scandinavia. One of the main reasons is that it's really practical - it keeps you warm in winter and nice and cool in the summer, plus the natural creases add a relaxed look to the room - no ironing required!  

Perfect little spot for a morning coffee (or evening G&T! FYI the nearby island of Ven makes a great local gin, just saying!).

You might need to book quickly - before the resident cat gets in there first! 

Daniella rents it out Sunday to Sundays throughout the summer. Her contact details are available here. 

A quick note on container houses: there are thought to be over 14 million out-of-service shipping containers in the world. They have become a popular building material since they are relatively cheap to acquire, easy to transport and keep construction costs down - plus it's a great way to recycle!

Have a fabulous start to the week. 

It might just be time for that first dip in the sea for the day here in Malmö...

Niki

Photography / design: Daniella Witte

PS it's Per and my ten-year wedding anniversary next week and we've booked a little getaway to Italy (so excited, I can't remember the last time we were without children!). We're flying to Pisa and looking for somewhere beautiful to stay on the coast or Tuscan countryside - any tips?! All a bit last minute, I know! 

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Two Idyllic Cottages To Rent In Denmark This Summer

It's going to reach a high of 12 degrees Celsius (53 degrees Fahrenheit) here in southern Sweden tomorrow and we're seriously excited (we've been waiting 6 months for this, I kid you not!). If you walk through Malmö tomorrow, you'll see people outside cafes in droves, with faces tilted towards the sun. With warmer weather finally on its way, my thoughts are drifting to the summer holidays and carefree days by the sea. If you haven't been to this part of the world in summertime, it's an absolute must. In case you're wondering where to stay, I stumbled across these two idyllic coastal cabins on Airbnb last week while planning my day by the Danish coast. Both are located in beautiful holiday destinations on the Danish coast and are a relatively short hop from Copenhagen!

1. Liseleje
Danes flock to Liseleje on the Danish riviera in the summer time to enjoy the authentic fishing village, al fresco dining on the quay and the long, golden stretch of sand. This charming white washed cottage sleeps 6 and is a mere 600 metres from the beach - and the interior is as pretty as can be!

2. Rørvig

About a one hour and a quarter drive from the Danish capital, this rustic log cabin is surrounded by woodland and situated near Rørvig harbour which is lined with quayside restaurants, cafes and shops. The area is also great for hikes. I'm loving the rustic vibe! Oh and it sleeps 6.  

Could you imagine spending your summer holidays at one of these lovely cottages?

I certainly could!

For more Danish summer cottage inspiration, I'm also loving these homes (although they're sadly not available to rent!):

A charming cottage on the island of Fejø
An idyllic Danish summer cottage
A Danish retreat

Wishing you a wonderful weekend friends.

Roll on the Danish summer!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks

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