Swedish Farmhouse Style: A Serene Country Escape in Kumla

In my book Njuta*, I wrote about how we often need to have longed for something in order to truly delight in it. That might be a cool drink after a long run, the scent of lilacs bursting into bloom after a long winter, or the first sun-ripened, juicy strawberry of summer. Right now, Sweden is a feast for the senses. After months of monochrome dormancy, the world has erupted into colour – lilacs, wisteria, and blossom in full bloom—and we’re truly delighting in the newly vibrant landscape and the birdsong, as our feathered friends go about their business again after their winter migration.

This beautiful country house in – Kumla nestled in Örebro County, in the heart of central Sweden—is surrounded by lush greenery from every window. A vibrant spray of lilacs brightens the farmhouse kitchen table, bringing the outside in. But this home offers more than just lovely views. The owners have taken great care in crafting a space where dark wood contrasts beautifully with white wood-clad walls. The rooms are simple, yet tastefully decorated, making me wonder who lives here – someone who clearly has an eye for interior design. Sadly, we may never know, as the owners have decided to move on.

Here’s a glimpse into a couple of the lovely rooms—and the outdoor space, where you can dream of summer dining alfresco by the pool. Enjoy the tour!

So lovely!

I’d be very happy flitting about in this farmhouse this weekend—or year-round, for that matter. How about you?

I wish I had more photos to share with you, but the full listing isn’t out just yet. As soon as it is, I promise I’ll update the post and show you more.

In the meantime, did anything in particular catch your eye about this house?

I loved the traditional Swedish gate-leg table in the kitchen, and the mix of vintage chairs. I recently bought a similar table myself, though it still needs a bit of renovation. I suddenly feel like my mother – our childhood weekends were spent at auctions, and she would always come home with something beautiful and old. Some of those pieces made their way into our house, but there was always that one chair sitting in the garage for about 25 years, just waiting to be done up! Does that sound familiar to you too?

Anyway, it’s finally time to welcome the weekend – yay! Thank you so much for stopping by this week. I hope you’ve enjoyed the tour of the coastal Swedish island summer cottage, the Latvian cabin, and today’s countryside house. I’ve really loved reading all your comments.

See you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Erik Olsson, with thanks

*ad for my own book

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This Idyllic Örust Island Cottage Is the Ultimate Swedish Summer Escape

Oh dear, I’m afraid I’ve failed miserably in my promise to feature a city home today. The thing is, this absolute gem popped up on the market, and ever since, I’ve been dreaming of waking up to the sea view every morning.

Funnily enough, my family and I must have sailed past this charming cottage on one of our voyages around the island of Örust on Sweden’s west coast. Just as well I didn’t know it at the time—or I’d have insisted we drop anchor and swim ashore for a viewing!

Tucked away on the eastern side of the island, the property comprises several buildings—perfect for hosting an extended family or the occasional overnight guest—while still maintaining a strong sense of privacy. There's a saying in Sweden: “Guests start to smell like fish after three days,” and let me tell you, Swedish summer holidays are long, so the more independence each guest has, the better!

In true Swedish summer cottage fashion, the interior is simple and bright, with lots of white and just a touch of colour here and there. The focus is firmly on outdoor living and those breathtaking sea views. While the water can reach a balmy 23°C (73°F) at the height of summer, there’s nothing quite like a sauna to help you unwind—especially when the Nordic weather gods aren’t on side.

Ready to take the tour and dream of a Swedish summer by the water?

I spotted one rarity: a washing machine in the kitchen! It’s something you see all the time in the UK—but never in Sweden, where they’re usually found in the bathroom.

And did you notice the binoculars? They seem to be a common sight in home tours lately (remember the pair in the Welsh house on Friday?). Oh, how I’d love to have a view so expansive and interesting that it required binoculars!

I was especially taken with the magnificent sitting room and dining area, complete with panoramic views of the sea, and the pretty floral wallpaper in the bedroom. And I couldn’t help but smile imagining how happy I’d be if I were a guest and someone led me to the twin outhouse, complete with oars stored on the rafters, with a cheerful, “This is where you’ll be sleeping.” What a dream!

Did anything in particular stand out to you?

Here are a few other lovely coastal summer cottages to enjoy today. 

My day at a charming Danish cottage by the sea
A cosy Swedish cottage by the sea
15 coastal living ideas to steam from a Danish cabin
A cosy Swedish cottage with stunning sea views

The Swedish west coast is so magical - here is a list of ten of my favourite islands. 

And for city apartments (in lieu of their current absence - ahem!): 

A Stockholm apartment where past and present meet
Alisan's serene Copenhagen flat
Juni's creative Oslo apartment 

Did any of these capture your imagination in particular? 

Happy Wednesday friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Bjurfors, with thanks. 

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VIPP Salaca River Cabin Where Scandinavian Style Meets Latvian Nature

Sometimes I feel like this blog is basically a peek into my inner daydreams, especially when it comes to the home tours I share. 

It’s Monday, the sun is shining, and I’m at my desk… but honestly, I’d rather be surrounded by trees, listening to birdsong and the gentle ripple of water. Can you relate?

Maybe that’s why I’ve been posting so many getaway homes lately (sorry!). Here’s one more for the mood — and then I promise I’ll share some fab city places later this week!

This cabin is a little bit special: a former listed fisherman’s house from 1876, once used as a roadhouse between Riga and Wolmar, it has now been gently relocated to one of Latvia’s most spectacular nature parks. Tucked away by the Saka River, it’s been reimagined by Danish brand VIPP into a modern hideaway that’s an absolute dream.

The dark wood exterior is beautifully balanced by its peaceful surroundings. Step inside, and it gets even better — the interior combines rustic wood with soft, pale furnishings, creating a space that feels both grounded and calm. Large windows frame generous glimpses of nature, letting in soft light and views of the river and forest beyond. It’s the kind of place where your shoulders drop the moment you walk in.

And after a day of kayaking (or, let’s be honest, doing nothing at all!), you can pour a glass of wine and sink into the sofa — or step outside for a soak in the hot tub overlooking the river. Heaven!

Incredible — I just love how the interior interacts so seamlessly with the outdoors. You feel completely immersed in nature the whole time.

Oh, how I’d love to stay here for a week or two! I even spotted a little desk where I could sit and dabble in a bit of work — the dream work-from-home setup, don’t you think?

Could you imagine staying here? Have you ever been to Latvia? If so, I’d love to hear more about your visit in the comments below. Did anything else in this home catch your eye?

You can read more about the VIPP Salaca River cabin and book a stay. And if you're in the mood for another Latvian home tour, check out Jurada Cabin - when a dream cabin became a reality. 

Have a great start to your week!

Niki x

Photography courtesy of VIPP, with thanks.

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A Dreamy Lakeside Swedish Cabin Escape on Airbnb

It’s Fredag (Friday), the sun is shining, and after a few days at our cabin over the Labour Day holiday watching blackbirds and oystercatchers roam around our garden, I’m fully immersed in the Swedish nature. In a country with just 10 million people (not far off the population of London) and land that stretches 1,574km (978 miles) from north to south, it’s easy to find the perfect solitude.

If you’re planning a visit, there are plenty of idyllic and remote Airbnbs to be found – like this gem. Tucked away in a forest clearing in Näsum, Skåne (southern Sweden), LakeView Cabin is a classic Swedish wooden cottage that’s been lovingly renovated with a fresh, minimalist yet comfy feel. With it's own pier and bathing deck, it's perfect for those who love a morgondopp (that bracing pre-breakfast dip!), plus there’s an outdoor shower and a sauna for warming up afterwards. All of it nestled in the kind of peaceful, whispering forest that makes you forget what day it is.

As the owners put it: “It's perfect for couples, winter bathers, life lovers and nature lovers who appreciate nature and peace and quiet as much as we do.”

For those of you who may live a little too far away to book this, there’s still plenty of inspiration to be gathered – from the way they’ve embraced the great outdoors, to the little thoughtful details indoors, like nature-themed embroidered cushions in an otherwise minimalist white room.

I hope you feel inspired and that this gives you just the virtual getaway you need to ease into the weekend!

What a perfect getaway—and by my calculations, it's only a 1.5-hour drive from Malmö, so maybe I should book a long weekend there myself. 

Could you imagine relaxing here? If so, you can find more details on Airbnb. 

Keen to discover a few more Scandinavian Airbnbs? Here are a few lovely ones I've featured in the past: 

The Stonecutters' farm on the Swedish island of Öland

A beautiful Danish summer cottage

A fabulous Copenhagen home that's available to rent

A beautiful limestone barn on the Swedish island of Gotland

A cosy riverside cottage in Denmark

An architect's calm home (and Airbnb) in Copenhagen.

A magazine-ready cabin on a Swedish island

Getaway from it all in a Swedish lakeside cottage

A rustic pool villa on the island of Gotland

So many wonderful places to stay – perhaps this will entice you to this part of the world this summer? Välkommen!

On another note, I’m sorry for being so slow to reply to comments this week. Poor Alice has been home sick all week, and with work and the Labour Day holiday thrown in, it’s been a bit of a juggle. But I’ve loved reading every single one of your messages, and I’m so grateful that you take the time to write and share your thoughts and observations. I’m looking forward to sitting down with a coffee tomorrow and replying properly.

Have a relaxing weekend and see you Monday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb with thanks. 

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