From Classroom to Country Retreat: A Swedish Schoolhouse Turned Artist’s Home

You know how much I love a home with history – especially when it’s had a completely different life before. This one’s lovely: Malmby Gamla Skola, a former schoolhouse dating back to the 1860s. Set along winding country roads and surrounded by greenery, its red facade with white trims is the picture of Swedish charm.

I like to imagine the days when teachers stood at the front of the class, the sound of pencils scratching on paper, and children running out to play in the fields. 

Today, it’s a welcoming family home, now owned by an artist (which makes perfect sense with all that glorious light streaming in through the old mouth-blown windows). Keep an eye out for the quirky rug laid at a diagonal, beautiful wallpaper, a cosy kitchen window nook, and of course, the lovely fireplace – perfect for curling up beside in winter.

The garden has plenty to offer too – a greenhouse, kitchen garden, and space to grow your own vegetables. In summer, you can pick wild strawberries straight from the lawn, and in the evening, there’s a beautiful sunset over the meadows. 

Ready to take a peek inside? 

Did you notice the wavy view you get when you look through mouth-blown glass windows? They are so beautiful and really add to the charm of the house. 

Could you imagine living in a house with a wonderful past like this? Or perhaps you already do? 

I have featured lots of converted homes in the past - including these schools: 

A light-filled Swedish home in a converted school
A Swedish home in former city school from the 1950s

A converted school with flashes of sunny yellow

My friend Louisa's home in a converted school

Colourful, boho and eclectic in a country home

This post is actually very timely as my younger daughter went back to school today - the summer holidays are finally over - even if it is 25 degrees celsius (77 F). 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

Photos courtesy of Historiska Hem

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A Peek Inside a Tapestry Artist’s Notting Hill Maisonette

Sometimes, it’s hard to walk into a property and instantly see its full potential – especially when it’s looking a little… shall we say… worse for wear. Do you agree? The Notting Hill, London home of tapestry artist Teresah Hastings was exactly that – and then some. Gutted by fire, it had lost much of its original character. At one point it was even home to the West London Buddhist Centre, who installed a stage in the front room, and there was only an outdoor loo. Can you imagine nipping outside in the middle of a January night?

But Teresah had a vision. She rolled up her sleeves and transformed the tired Victorian maisonette into a warm, beautiful home and creative studio for herself and her three children. She rented nearby while painstakingly renovating, bringing the place back to life with natural materials, a gentle respect for the building’s history, and a few clever restoration tricks – including borrowing a moulding from the flat upstairs to re-create the missing ceiling cornicing. Love that!

Over the years, she’s filled the space with a lovingly collected mix of antique furniture and cherished pieces. In the sitting room, you’ll spot the sturdy frame that supports her tapestry work – the backbone for her richly textured, handwoven creations.

Now, with a heavy heart and a head full of memories, Teresah is moving on – which means The Modern House has given us a little peek inside before the lucky next owner moves in. So… who’s ready to fall in love with a home that comes with a backstory, a bit of grit, and a lot of heart? Let’s take a tour…

What a lovely home – full of creativity. I’m especially smitten with the wall of saucepans and the eclectic mix of furniture. I also noted how clean and calm the master bedroom is - which lends itself to a peaceful night's sleep. Do you also like to decorate your bedroom in a nice and calm way? 

It’s fascinating to peek behind the façade of a pastel-coloured Notting Hill home I’ve walked past so many times! 

I hope you enjoyed the tour too! Is there anything about Teresah’s home that stood out to you?

You can see more pictures of her home and read more about it over at The Modern House. You can also discover more about Teresah’s work here.

Would you like to see more inspiring homes  today? Check out 8 homes belonging to creatives. 

Stor kram! 

Niki

Credits: photography Dan Glasser for The Modern House, shared with thanks. 

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