An Idyllic Rustic Swedish Summer Cottage With a Sauna

It may be cold, it may grey... but that doesn't stop us from dreaming about summer here in Sweden. And I for one, could imagine spending it right here at this idyllic cottage, 50 minutes from Stockholm. Granted the pictures have been taken before the lush meadows have sprung to life and lupins, lilac, and cornflower are in bloom - but you can still get an idea of what a summer paradise this is. Dating back to the 1930s, the 40-metre square / 430 feet square* traditional red and white cottage is far from luxurious - even though it does have a sauna. And that's exactly what I love about it! I'm picturing relaxed days flitting between the indoors and out barefoot  - with long lunches in the garden and a daily dip in the lake. And maybe a good book or two. Ready to dream? 

How lovely! Could you imagine spending your summers here? 

Incidentally - I mentioned that the size is 40 metres square, which is fairly small. But actually, in Sweden they don't count areas under a certain ceiling height - hence the space under the sloped ceiling in the bedroom and bathroom are not included in this. 

There's also the sauna - how nice is that? I can imagine warming the cockles here before taking a cool dip in the lake. So relaxing!

See more pics and all the details here (it's for sale, yep, I know!).

Shall we dream over a few other Scandinavian summer cottages today? Take a peek inside this archive for a LOAD of inspiration. 

Have a great start to the week friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem, with thanks. 

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An Idyllic Swedish Country Home

Picture the scene: you wake up, throw on some clogs, and head out into the garden with a steaming coffee and newspaper and settle down to soak up the morning sun. Maybe do a little gardening - or take a swim in the nearby lake. In the winter, you might go for a brisk walk before lighting the fire and cosying up with a book for the afternoon or pour yourself a deep, warm bath. Either way, I'm pretty sure this Swedish country home has something wonderful to offer in every season. And the 19th century architecture will no doubt keep you busy too (perfect for a tinkerer!). If only I'd snapped it up when it came on the market a few years ago. Gaaah! Let's sit back and dream of a life in the Swedish countryside all the same. Enjoy the tour! 

Such a beautiful house! It has me dreaming of a move to the Swedish countryside, how about you? 

Funnily enough, Per and I were discussing it only yesterday when we strolled past a really pretty cottage with a thatched roof yesterday evening. It won't happen, but we do love to dream. The other things we marvelled at on our walk in  the forest was how the evenings are so much lighter - and that the birds are starting to return from their migration south. A wonderful sight and a sign that spring is in the air! 

Do the birds disappear in wintertime where you live too? 

And on a separate, slightly random note - thank you to my American readers in yesterday's 'colour inspiration' post for confirming that 'funk / funky' does actually mean the same as it does in British - phew! I was getting nervous!

If you're heart is in the countryside today check out the Scandinavian country style living archive - so much beauty in one place! 

Ha det så fint! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem - found via Nordroom with thanks. 

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A Cosy Swedish Cottage In The Snow

If we'd seen an alfresco winter table setting two years ago, we'd have thought the idea was crazy - but in today's world, it not only seems like a perfectly normal scene, but also at times the only way to gather with friends and family right now! So, friends, don your best snow boots, wrap up warm and pull up a sheep-skin lined seat - it's time to take you on a tour of a snowy Swedish cottage, and temperatures here are well below minus right now! 

Located around 45 minutes outside of Stockholm, the charming cottage consists of a main house and barn - both of which provide bunks for overnight guests and can also be used for cosy gatherings! 

In wintertime a table is set up outside, in the shelter of the barn. I have to say, the idea reminds me a little of Christmas at my Swedish Father-in-law's house. We often gather outside for glögg and pepperkaka before heading indoors to thaw out over a Julbord (Christmas buffet). 

A pathway has been carved out with a shovel and lit by large outdoor tea lights. Do you have these in your country? In Scandinavia they're often placed either side of a front door when you're entertaining and provide a warm welcome! 

The fire pit has also come into its own in the past 18 months (see '7 winter warmer essentials for outdoor gatherings). 

Meanwhile, indoors, the charming cottage is full of pretty details including beams, angled ceilings and fireplaces - making it a cosy place to while away winter weekends! 

Isn't it lovely?

I read yesterday that there's a group of people stuck in a pub in England for the third day running due to treacherous weather. My question is - would you rather be snowed in here or an English pub? I guess it depends a little on the supplies and who you are with, but I'd definitely vote for this cottage! 

Would you like to see other snowy Scandinavian homes today? 

A cosy rural country home at Christmas 

A charming festive Swedish cottage in wintertime

A cosy Norwegian country home at Christmas

A candlelit Norwegian cabin deep in the fjords

Stay warm friends! 

Niki

Photography Melinda Rönnberg, styling Stories by Chaundy courtesy of Bosthlm

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A Charming Festive Swedish Cottage In Winter Time

When do you start decorating your home for Christmas (if you do)? In Sweden the First Sunday of Advent is traditionally the day many Scandinavians start to add festive touches, although the darkness has prompted many to start early. I therefore felt it was time for my second 'Jul' post of the year and this charming Swedish cottage fits the bill perfectly! The traditional red and white property dates back to 1901 and was formerly the home of a platelayer (also known as a 'trackman' - whose job was to inspect and maintain the nearby railway line). Today, the charming cottage in Västmanland county belongs to Helena Dahl and her family. As you can tell from the furniture and accessories, Helena is a huge fan of vintage and antiques, and even runs a small instagram store selling Swedish vintage pieces. But what really caught my attention was just how pretty her home is at Christmas time, especially with the snow falling silently outside. Ready to feel warm and fuzzy inside? 

Simple boxwood wreaths hang from the door with red ribbon and a pine tree rests against the wall. 

In Sweden windows come alive at Christmas with paper star lanterns* and 'adventsljustake' (advent candlestick holders in an inverted V). 

The imperfections are what makes this little cottage so perfect! I particularly love the wonky walls and doorways which show the age of the cottage.

A tree sapling has been placed in a vase adding a subtle festive touch beside a sweet smelling hyacinth and simple candle. 

The Christmas tree has been festooned with vintage baubles, flags and other decorations, and lights up a dark corner under the stairs. 

A collection of three antique Swedish brass candleholders makes a pretty display on the coffee table. 

Spot the heart-shape snow-flake? But of course! 

Such a pretty home, don't you think? Is there anything that stood out to you? 

The cottage reminds me a lot of Helen's cosy Blekinge home - which I featured last week. When I see pretty country homes like these it makes me wonder if I should leave the city. Do you ever feel like that too? 

For those of you looking for new Scandi-style festive ideas for your home in the coming days, take a peek at: 

A Stockholm home in Winter time

11 Christmas decorating ideas from Mari's Swedish home

The hit DIY decoration of 2020 - a decoration made from cardboard loo rolls! 

Meanwhile, if you're American and heading off to enjoy the holidays - Happy Thanksgiving!! 

I'll be back tomorrow with a final post for the week, which will hopefully fill you with ideas for the weekend! 

Have a cosy day friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Helena Dahl with thanks. 

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