Before & After: A Swedish Fire Station becomes a Family Summer Home

I've shown many awe-inspiring homes on My Scandinavian Home over the past decade (yes - it'll be ten years since I started this blog in November!), but I've never featured a converted fire station! When Swedish pair Petra and Anders Jönsson turned 50 they felt like doing something a little crazy. The answer came in the form of a dilapidated fire station in Stora Köpinge, Skåne - which they spotted for sale online for a cool 750,000 SEK (€75,000 / 89,000 USD). The pair had the vision of transforming the four-storey property into a summer holiday home for themselves and their five children - a perfect weekend and holiday retreat from everyday life in Stockholm. The project quickly drew the attention of popular Swedish TV program Husdrömmar, who followed the entire renovation. Ready to find take a look?

Exterior Before

The fire station was built in the 1930s for the purpose of serving Stora Köping, a village in the beautiful region of Österlen in South Sweden. The couple had grand plans for the property, including changing the colour of the exterior, but planning permission restrictions meant the existing facade should remain relatively untouched. Instead, they freshened up the exterior and replaced the double doors (previously used for the fire engine) into glass doors. 

Exterior after

The pair also added an extension onto the rear to make space for a dining room and also replaced the back of the tower with glass windows - weighing 800 kg each! 

Interior before

When the couple acquired the property, the interior was basic to say the least! The ground floor hadn't been touched since its days as a fire station, while the tower was a corrugated iron shell with a ladder.  

The floorplan

The property is four storeys high, which the couple planned on converting into a living area, sleeping quarters, a bathroom and lounge area. 

Interior after

Underfloor heating was installed and the ceiling was knocked through to create a beautiful, light-filled living space.  The pair decided to keep the decor simple and pared-down and used neutral tones throughout. 

Stairs were added to the left of the property (rather than centrally placed) in order to make space for a kitchen. A trap door which gives access to extra storage. 

The family enjoy uninterrupted views of the Österlen countryside to the rear of the property. 

Wooden stairs add warmth and a contemporary touch to the tower - and are a major improvement on the rickety ladders! 

Although small, the bedrooms feel spacious thanks to large windows. 

The top floor has been converted into a 3 metre x 3 metre lounge area in which to chill! 

How fantastic!! 

There's no denying that this was an incredibly brave move and required a copious amount of work (and money) - but the results are worth it. After all, not many people can say they live in a converted fire station! 

Could you imagine taking on a project like this? 

Live in Sweden? You can view the entire project on SVT here. Otherwise, see more pics over at @brandstaionenstorakopinge. 

Did I mention that Petra and Ander's home in Stockholm is in a converted water? Perhaps that's a tour for another day! 

Up for a little more inspiration today? Take a look back at these fabulous property conversions: 

A home in a converted carpenters workshop

The home of a fashion designer in a converted bar

My friend Louise's home in a converted school

There are plenty more incredible before and after projects in this archive too! 

Wishing you a wonderful day - I hope the sun is shining for you. 

Niki

Photography: all photos courtesy of Petra and Anders (@brandstaionenstorakopinge) with the addition of two photographs taken by Lina Östling and Mari Strenghielm. The floorplan is courtesy of SVT / Husdrömmar. 

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Mathilda & Anton's Serene Apartment in Southern Sweden

Hello friends, happy Monday! I was always get a little extra excited when I discover a home tour in Malmö - and this one is SO beautiful! Plus, it has a wonderful, serene vibe which I thought would help us launch into the week on a lovely, calm note! Tucked away on a quiet street in the leafy district of Rörsjöstaden, this turn-of-the-century apartment has been given some real TLC from owners Mathilda and Anton. The newly renovated living space has been decorated in a sea of neutrals, with warm wood playing a central role. Look closely and you'll also spy Scandinavian design pieces (I've done my best to include some links!), high street finds, vintage pieces and plenty of art! Välkommen in! 

The bamboo lamp, believe it or not, is from HM Home - what a find (currently out of stock, which doesn't surprise me)! The light oak table is from JYSK and the chairs are classic wishbone. The wooden kitchen cabinets are from IKEA. 

A vintage wall catches the light in the corner of the sitting room (source similar here*) while at is piled up beneath, waiting to be hung. 

An IKEA sofa and two armchairs are arranged around an IKEA coffee table. A String shelving unit runs along the back wall beneath a series of paintings and a Samsung Frame TV (cleverly disguised as art in the centre of the gallery wall). 

Mathilda has set up a home office on a fold-away vintage table by the window. 

Striped linen bedding from IKEA catches the light in the bedroom. The linen cushions are from Swedish brand Granit. 

There's something about this home, with it's beautiful natural light and soft tones that has made me feel ultra-calm this Monday, hope about you?

See more pictures of Mathilda and Anton's lovely Malmö hope over at @sekelskiftsdagboken

May this feeling of calm remain all week!

Having said that, I have a feeling I might just get pulses racing tomorrow. I'm busy preparing a post about an awe-inspiring Swedish holiday home in a former fire station (including before and after pics)! Whatever you're doing tomorrow, make sure you stop by!

Wishing you all a wonderful start to the week!

Niki

Photography: Mathilda / @sekelskiftsdagboken

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