Dreaming of a “Coolcation”? This Swedish Cottage Could Be Your Summer Sanctuary

Ciao! I got back from Rome late last night after a really fabulous few days. I absolutely love that city — it feels like living inside a museum. Just incredible. Have you ever been?

One thing I really noticed this time was just how hot it was though. After living in Sweden for 22 years, I’m definitely not as heat-resistant as I once was — and 36°C (that’s about 97°F!) had us clinging to the nearest gelato boutique at every turn!

On the way home, I was reading about how Scandinavia is becoming a hot summer destination for a so-called “coolcation” — and I totally get it. The air is fresh, and you can do things without melting (even if you do need a raincoat or maybe even a hat and gloves, depending on what the Norse weather gods decide!). So, what do you think about your very own Swedish summer cottage?

There's one currently for sale that looks just perfect — nestled among lilac bushes and forest, with a cool lake nearby for swimming when the thermometer starts creeping up. I personally love the look of the verandah; I can already imagine myself in the wicker chair, soaking up the birdsong. The interior feels like a step back in time — a deep green kitchen, charming vintage wallpaper (even on the cupboard doors!), and sweet little touches of Swedish folk style in every corner, no doubt passed down through the family for generations.

A summer filled with card games, foraging, good food, and complete relaxation? That sounds like bliss to me, I hope you feel inspired too!

This cottage really took me back in time — a few elements reminded me of my grandmother’s house! Did you feel nostalgic seeing these pictures too?

It was also refreshing to see a different shade of green in the kitchen, especially with sage green being so popular lately.

Was there anything in particular that stood out to you?

If you feel like a 'coolcation' this year, you can find a load of Scandinavian Airbnb and holiday rentals in the archives. 

Happy Monday, friends! I hope you have a great start to the week! 

Niki

Styling Åsa Copparstad for Historiska hem

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City Escape: An Allotment Cottage Oasis Tucked Away in Gothenburg

When I look for homes to feature here on My Scandinavian Home, I’m naturally a little dictated by the season. In the property market, winter is all about selling flats, while now, in late spring, it’s all about houses and summer cottages with nature on their doorstep. And just like you saw in Wednesday’s post, it’s also the season for the charming allotment cottage.

So, indulge me a little this Friday while I share another lovely kolonistuga with you – tucked away in a tranquil corner of Änggården’s growers’ association, a green oasis in the heart of Gothenburg. This little cabin is only 25 square metres (269 square feet), but the outdoor space plays a big role too, with its expansive terrace, tables and chairs, and even a pizza oven.

Inside, the green interior mirrors its lush surroundings. There’s enough space for a kitchen, dining area, and a sofabed, making it the perfect urban escape and one of those rare gems that seldom come on the market.

Ready to dream this weekend?

Can you imagine sitting here with your closest friends, sipping wine under the string lights this evening? Maybe a board of cheeses around the fire… or perhaps pizza? (It would be rude not to make the most of that outdoor oven, after all!) Lovely.

It may be simple, but sometimes, you really don’t need much more than that. Do you agree?

It’s also the perfect place to get into a bit of gardening – I’m sure the soil here is far more forgiving than the sandpit I’m currently battling with at our summer cottage (yikes!).

You can see more inspiring allotment cottages here, and if you’re in the mood for a little more city living, don’t miss these Gothenburg apartment tours: 

Izard's earthy green apartment (one of the most popular tours of the year). 
A beautiful Gothenburg apartment with a hint of English style
Inside Anna's coastal home on an island just outside Gothenburg

Thank you so much for all your thoughtful and interesting comments this week. I’m really looking forward to taking a bit of time out this weekend to reply to each one. You make this such a warm and welcoming community, and your insights truly add so much to every post.

Trevlig helg! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Stadshem

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This Idyllic Örust Island Cottage Is the Ultimate Swedish Summer Escape

Oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve failed miserably in my promise to feature a city home today. The thing is, this absolute gem popped up on the market, and ever since, I’ve been dreaming of waking up to the sea view every morning.

Funnily enough, my family and I must have sailed past this charming cottage on one of our voyages around the island of Örust on Sweden’s west coast. Just as well I didn’t know it at the time—or I’d have insisted we drop anchor and swim ashore for a viewing!

Tucked away on the eastern side of the island, the property comprises several buildings—perfect for hosting an extended family or the occasional overnight guest—while still maintaining a strong sense of privacy. There's a saying in Sweden: “Guests start to smell like fish after three days,” and let me tell you, Swedish summer holidays are long, so the more independence each guest has, the better!

In true Swedish summer cottage fashion, the interior is simple and bright, with lots of white and just a touch of colour here and there. The focus is firmly on outdoor living and those breathtaking sea views. While the water can reach a balmy 23°C (73°F) at the height of summer, there’s nothing quite like a sauna to help you unwind—especially when the Nordic weather gods aren’t on side.

Ready to take the tour and dream of a Swedish summer by the water?

I spotted one rarity: a washing machine in the kitchen! It’s something you see all the time in the UK—but never in Sweden, where they’re usually found in the bathroom.

And did you notice the binoculars? They seem to be a common sight in home tours lately (remember the pair in the Welsh house on Friday?). Oh, how I’d love to have a view so expansive and interesting that it required binoculars!

I was especially taken with the magnificent sitting room and dining area, complete with panoramic views of the sea, and the pretty floral wallpaper in the bedroom. And I couldn’t help but smile imagining how happy I’d be if I were a guest and someone led me to the twin outhouse, complete with oars stored on the rafters, with a cheerful, “This is where you’ll be sleeping.” What a dream!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Here are a few other lovely coastal summer cottages to enjoy today. 

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea
A cosy Swedish cottage by the sea
15 coastal living ideas to steam from a Danish cabin
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views

The Swedish west coast is so magical - here is a list of ten of my favourite islands. 

And for city apartments (in lieu of their current absence - ahem!): 

A Stockholm apartment where past and present meet
Alisan's serene Copenhagen flat
Juni's creative Oslo apartment 

Did any of these capture your imagination in particular? 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks. 

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A Dreamy Lakeside Swedish Cabin Escape on Airbnb

It’s Fredag (Friday), the sun is shining, and after a few days at our cabin over the Labour Day holiday watching blackbirds and oystercatchers roam around our garden, I’m fully immersed in the Swedish nature. In a country with just 10 million people (not far off the population of London) and land that stretches 1,574km (978 miles) from north to south, it’s easy to find the perfect solitude.

If you’re planning a visit, there are plenty of idyllic and remote Airbnbs to be found – like this gem. Tucked away in a forest clearing in Näsum, Skåne (southern Sweden), LakeView Cabin is a classic Swedish wooden cottage that’s been lovingly renovated with a fresh, minimalist yet comfy feel. With it's own pier and bathing deck, it's perfect for those who love a morgondopp (that bracing pre-breakfast dip!), plus there’s an outdoor shower and a sauna for warming up afterwards. All of it nestled in the kind of peaceful, whispering forest that makes you forget what day it is.

As the owners put it: “It's perfect for couples, winter bathers, life lovers and nature lovers who appreciate nature and peace and quiet as much as we do.”

For those of you who may live a little too far away to book this, there’s still plenty of inspiration to be gathered – from the way they’ve embraced the great outdoors, to the little thoughtful details indoors, like nature-themed embroidered cushions in an otherwise minimalist white room.

I hope you feel inspired and that this gives you just the virtual getaway you need to ease into the weekend!

What a perfect getaway—and by my calculations, it's only a 1.5-hour drive from Malmö, so maybe I should book a long weekend there myself. 

Could you imagine relaxing here? If so, you can find more details on Airbnb. 

Keen to discover a few more Scandinavian Airbnbs? Here are a few lovely ones I've featured in the past: 

The Stonecutters' farm on the Swedish island of Öland

A beautiful Danish summer cottage

A fabulous Copenhagen home that's available to rent

A beautiful limestone barn on the Swedish island of Gotland

A cosy riverside cottage in Denmark

An architect's calm home (and Airbnb) in Copenhagen.

A magazine-ready cabin on a Swedish island

Getaway from it all in a Swedish lakeside cottage

A rustic pool villa on the island of Gotland

So many wonderful places to stay – perhaps this will entice you to this part of the world this summer? Välkommen!

On another note, I’m sorry for being so slow to reply to comments this week. Poor Alice has been home sick all week, and with work and the Labour Day holiday thrown in, it’s been a bit of a juggle. But I’ve loved reading every single one of your messages, and I’m so grateful that you take the time to write and share your thoughts and observations. I’m looking forward to sitting down with a coffee tomorrow and replying properly.

Have a relaxing weekend and see you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks. 

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