A Dreamy Design-Conscious Cottage Stay in the Scottish Countryside

According to Living Etc, it’s one of the “Top 10 design-conscious, multi-sensory rural escapes.” Sounds like my kind of stay, and the perfect home tour to set the mood for the weekend. What do you think?

Welcome to Drinkbetween West cottage, one of five rental properties on Banchory Farm, a third-generation working farm just outside Edinburgh in Scotland. The weather in the picture above looks much like it does in Sweden, moody skies and all, but this charming retreat offers a beautiful interior and a wood-burning bath to help you forget the looming clouds. Because really, isn’t there very little that a gorgeous space, a good book and a cosy fire can’t fix?

Once a derelict cottage, the family employed the help of interior designer Ali Heath (whose lovely interior books I have on my shelf) to transform the interior into a calming mix of earthy tones and warm tan shades, making it both restful and inviting. I especially love the wainscoting in the bedroom and bathroom, which adds such timeless character – and of course, the views over the fields. 

Shall we take the tour and dream of a weekend in the Scottish countryside?

I went to the University of Edinburgh many moons ago, and can vouch for the stunning countryside just outside the city (even if my trips as a student were rather fleeting—we were a bit too busy enjoying ourselves in town!). How I’d love to return and stay on Banchory Farm.

Can you picture yourself this weekend, soaking in that outdoor wood-burning bath, drink in one hand, book in the other?

Is there anything you spotted in particular about this cottage? I'd love to hear your thoughts and observations. 

You can read more about Banchory Farm here.

That's all from me this week. I hope you've enjoyed the tours. I'm locking up my studio shortly and heading home to stay warm under a blanket (it suddenly feels like winter here—BRRRRR!).

I hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend too. See you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Brent Darby
Interior design: Ali Heath

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No Homework Here: This School Conversion Is Pure Joy

With exam season in full swing, this Swedish home in Södermalm, Stockholm felt especially fitting — calm, creative, and full of light. And, as it turns out, it has a bit of a scholarly past.

At first glance, I was struck by the large open room and all those generous windows (always a win!). There’s something a little unexpected about the layout too — a kind of spaciousness and structure you don’t usually find in a typical home. And sure enough, it turns out this building used to be… a school.

But not the usual countryside kind where ivy-covered walls and creaky floors give way to cosy corners. No — this was a 1990s school, and it’s now been cleverly converted into an apartment block. The result? A modern, light-soaked home with a distinctly creative edge.

The living space is airy and welcoming, with internal windows helping the light travel beautifully through every corner. The décor blends old and new with ease, and there’s art everywhere — a home clearly loved by someone with an eye for detail. And the best part? Not a single maths lesson in sight.

And then there’s the kitchen. With its bright yellow tiles and industrial vibe, it’s unusual — but wonderful. It’s the kind of space where you really do look on the bright side each morning, bathed in sunshine and sipping your coffee under those golden walls.

Enjoy the tour!

Wow! I’m not sure I’ve seen a school conversion quite like this before — have you?

The interior is full of surprises and lovely details too. Like the pink bathroom!

Were you surprised by the exterior? Can you imagine coming home here each day — or would it bring back too many memories of those science exams?

I’d love to hear if anything caught your eye.

You can see the full listing and read more about this unique property here.

Fancy seeing a few more school conversions today? Check out this converted school archive (this home might come up first, if so just scroll on past). 

Also, if you have a garage that needs sorting, I wrote a feature for IKEA that has gone live on their global website about how to maximise your garage space - in case you're interested in a read! 

Have a happy mid-week!

Niki

Photos: @danaozollapa
Styling: Thomas Lingsell
For Historika Hem

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