A 20th Century Swedish House - That's Like Something Out of a Fairytale

If this wonderful house in Gamla Björknäs, Sweden had been yellow, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Villa Villekulla - the home of Astrid Lindgren's Pippi Longstocking! It actually belongs to a ceramicist (the clue is in the pottery wheel in the basement) - although I am not sure if he / she enjoys it as a hobby or profession. Either way, the turn-of-the-century villa just East of Stockholm is bursting with character - from wood panelled walls, countless nooks and a spiral staircase to turrets and a magical roof terrace - all of which embrace the original 1909 structure. Ready to take a look around? 

A spiral staircase leads up to a turret which houses a desk area - and leads out onto a roof terrace which can also be accessed from the other upper floor area. 

The main staircase leads up to a series of bedrooms - including the master. 

As with many old houses in Sweden, a basement provides extra space for a second sitting room and / or a hobby area as well as a bathroom (as seen in this home) - and quite often a laundry area. 

I couldn't resist including this shot of the small guest loo. I love it when people use these spaces to do something fabulous. Unfortunately, I don't know where this wallpaper is from, if anyone can help please do leave a comment below! 

What a really special home - and such a rare opportunity, don't you think?  

You can find more information about it over at Historiska Hem - including the floorplan (I can understand it might be a bit confusing from the pictures!). 

Wishing you all a lovely day! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem

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A Swedish Summer Oasis On The Island of Gotland

"Summer breeze makes me feel fine...." those are the words going through my head as I imagine the cool breeze blowing in over the Baltic Sea as I chill by the pool at this Gotland summer house. It's for sale, but sadly a little out of our budget - but I do have my mind set on Surflogiet (a surf glamping place a little further up the coast). I see that there's a perfect 'work from home' spot at this cabin though, so if you're considering a life change, this lovely 71 sqm (764 ft.sq) Swedish cabin on the west coast of the island could well be just what you're looking for. Plus, there's room for two guests in the little outhouse too! 

As with most Scandinavian summer cabins, simplicity is the name of the game. It's about going back to basics (save for the pool!) and making the most of the outdoors. We all know that the Swedish weather might be on the chilly side at times so this covered terrace with bi-folding glass doors is spot on.  

A pair of Cuba Chairs (I also have one in my sitting room) sit side by side in the sitting room. Behind them is a Gubi Grasshopper lamp.

The soft earthy green wall helps to draw the surrounding nature indoors. 

See what I mean about the workspace? Not a bad view for a Wednesday morning! 

Many of my Swedish friends spend their summer hoping between their friends and family's summer cottages, so extra beds are always important. Just make sure to bring your own bedding if you're invited! 

Could you imagine hanging out in that lounger all summer long? 

If you haven't been to Gotland, it's a wonderful place - full of galleries, ceramic studios and funky / off beat cafes and restaurants. Plus Visby, the medieval capital is really picturesque. I shared more about The Baltic island in this guide. 

Fancy taking a look back at other Gotland holiday homes I've featured? Here are a few to get you started: 

A rustic Swedish summer cottage 

A 19th century farmhouse

Your island retreat on the Swedish island of Gotland

And many, many more right here! 

I'm staying in a hotel tonight - a HOTEL! I didn't think I'd see the day! I'm in Denmark for two days of filming with Carl Hanson & Søn and I spent yesterday touring the CEO and founder Knud Erik Hanson's home. It has 40 rooms and every single item has a history. It made me want to re-think the way I decorate my home! I can't wait to share more with you. 

In the meantime, wishing you a lovely 'lillördag!'

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Bertwig

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