A Look Inside a Cosy Off-Grid Cabin Escape in Tasmania

Do any of you work on Teams? I had a call this morning with clients scattered across the globe – some of us basking in European summer, faces glowing, matcha lemonades in hand. Then there was one fabulous client beaming in from the southern hemisphere: woolly beanie, wrapped in a blanket, cat on lap, visibly shivering. I recoiled in confusion – until I remembered it’s the middle of winter down there. The mind boggles.

So, this post is dedicated to you cosy southerners – those of you lighting fires, leaning into the layered life, and hopefully escaping Teams meetings for at least a little while (even if your clients are cool as cucumbers).

And if you’re lucky enough to be in Tasmania right now? Let me point you in the direction of Camp Nowhere.

Tucked away on Yingina / Great Lake in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, this once-humble fisherman’s shack is now a beautifully rustic, open-plan retreat. From every corner, including the bathtub, you’ve got views of forest and distant water. Nature’s always in reach here. Even the snug bed nook has a view of the roaring fire and the ever-changing world beyond the windows.

It’s also full of relaxed, thoughtful details: a cute little fish sketched on the wall, a nod to its laidback lakeside roots, and a gentle reflection of Tasmania’s effortlessly chilled-out vibe.

So if you’re craving stillness, a crackling fire, and a place where you’re never far from the trees (or the view) – this might just be your kind of nowhere (it certainly is mine!). 

How lovely is this place? So calm, so inviting.

I’ve got such a soft spot for bed nooks like this – we have one in our little cabin too, and I sleep like a log in it. There’s just something about being tucked away, fire flickering in view.

Did anything catch your eye? 

Can you imagine spending a few slow days here? No noise, no rush, just a good book and a better view. If so, you can read more about it and book your stay here. 

Tasmania’s been living rent-free in my imagination for years – I’ve never been, but I think about it often. If you’re dreaming too, there are loads more cabins and cottages from the island to explore here.

Speaking of islands – I’ll be back on Wednesday sharing photos from a recent visit to my favourite Swedish island. It’s part of a lovely challenge from Skandinavisk and their ØY collection. Join me if you’re curious to see which island I picked… and fancy a little tour. I have a discount code for you too! 

Happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Critchley

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Inside An Idyllic Norwegian Island Getaway

Hej hej! Happy Friday! In case you’re wondering about the current mood in Scandinavia – it’s very much a case of “gone fishing” or, more accurately, “gone to the summer cottage, back in three weeks.” It’s July, and no one works in July unless they absolutely have to. After all, we’ve endured a long, cold, dark winter – this is the moment we’ve been waiting for!

One of Scandinavia’s best-kept secrets is the incredible array of islands that come alive at this time of year. There’s something for everyone – tiny skerries, uninhabited nature reserves with hiking trails and camping spots, and charming islands dotted with clapboard summer cottages, old fishing villages, and small harbours where life gathers in the evening. The days follow a simple rhythm: eat, swim, nap, repeat.

This delightful summer cottage is situated in Hvaler, a municipality made up of islands in the southern part of Østfold County, Norway, and perfectly captures the essence of the Scandinavian summer idyll. Its relaxed coastal interior, with blue and white accents, reflects the hues of the Skagerrak Sea, glimpsed through the windows. A sailboat here, a cluster of ornamental glass fishing buoys there – it’s all part of the charm.

Though modest, the cottage offers an effortless comfort: a relaxed sofa, soft blankets, sheepskins and cushions invite you to kick back and unwind. But if the sun’s shining, you’ll probably be tempted to join the alfresco gathering, where fresh prawns await – or slip away to the water’s edge for a quiet moment alone, soaking up the scenery and recharging for the season ahead.

Enjoy the tour!

Charming in every way!

It’s been captured so beautifully that I feel as though I’m right there – soaking up the sunshine on the warm rocks with a book in hand.

Do you feel it too?

Does it sound like your kind of summer? Is there anything that stood out to you? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’d like to see more snapshots, hop over to @hvalerlivet on Instagram – it’s a true feast for the eyes!

Would you like to explore more Norwegian summer houses today? If so, take a peek at: 

A magical Norwegian house by a fjord
An idyllic fjordside retreat in Norway
A charming little cabin by a Norwegian fjord

By the way, if you're curious about the scent of these islands - Skandinavisk have managed to bottle it up in the beautiful ØY collection and this July you can get 20% off all their fragrances (including candles, washes, lotions etc) with code ISLAND20. Just saying! 

Have a wonderful weekend – and thank you for stopping by!

Niki

Photography courtesy of @hvalerlivet, shared with kind permission. 

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A Dreamy Swedish Summer Home by the Water

There’s something about Swedish summer that feels almost magical — and this house captures it perfectly. Tucked beside the water, it’s the kind of place where you can imagine long, golden evenings spent dining al fresco with friends, especially on a day like today, with Sweden basking in 28°C (that’s 82°F) sunshine (I've heard some serious heatwaves are going on elsewhere, I hope you are all OK?). 

Described as “like being in the countryside, but in the middle of town,” this charming Swedish house is tucked into a sheltered bay just a 15-minute bike ride from Nacka, Stockholm county. Built in 1820 and recently renovated, it still retains its beautiful heritage features and light pours in through the windows  – pure magic.

I’m particularly taken with the glass verandah – a popular architectural detail in houses from this era. In this home, it’s been styled as a covered porch area, though in other homes, you often see it as a dining area or cosy sitting room nook. I also really like the semi-open-plan kitchen, divided by a windowed partition that allows the light to flow freely while keeping the spaces distinct.

Summer here is all about swimming in the lake and taking a boat out for a spin. But it’s not just a fair-weather retreat – there’s clear evidence of winter warmth too, with a snug spot by a roaring wood-burning stove. And when the water freezes over, it becomes a playground for ice skating. In Stockholm County, many of the lakes are connected, making it possible (and popular!) to skate long distances.

I hope you enjoy this tour of a truly dreamy year-round home. It’s a beauty!

I'd happily bask in the sunshine there today—wouldn't you?

I really appreciate how the traditional look blends with an industrial touch. It makes the space feel both personal and relaxed.

What did you think of this lovely cottage? Did anything in particular stand out to you?

If you'd like to dream over a few more summer cottages today, head over to the archive.

Also—I'm hosting a fantastic giveaway on Instagram right now! You can win a collection of the ØY scent from Skandinavisk, including a wash, lotion, candle, scent diffuser, shampoo, conditioner, and a bundle of other beautiful products inspired by the islands of Scandinavia. Pop over and enter—and do tell me about your favourite island. I'll be sharing mine here on the blog next week.

Happy Wednesday, stor kram!

Photography courtesy of Historiska Hem. 

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