Exploring a Soulful 18th-Century Cotswolds Home

Veering off course today – hey, it’s Friday! Sharing a home tour outside of Scandinavia is my new rock ’n’ roll, and honestly, it’s about as wild as I get these days (at least that's what I tell my teenagers ;). But this isn’t just any home – oh no. This is the archetypal English dream house.

Set in the rolling hills of Gloucestershire, overlooking the breathtaking Five Valleys region, this beauty lies within the Cotswolds National Park. Built in 1720, it has a magnificent limestone façade – the kind you might expect to see in a Hollywood Christmas film, complete with a dusting of snow and twinkling lights.

One of the first things I noticed – and I don’t know if this is just a British thing or not – is that the main front door of these grand old homes is often purely for show. There’s nearly always a side or back door that sees all the real action. I say this because, firstly, in this house the front door opens straight into the sitting room (with nowhere to hang your coat or kick off your boots!), and secondly, at both my grandparents’ and my parents’ homes we never used the front door. In fact, I’m not even sure we could open my grandma’s front door without a bit of a battle – it was wedged in so tightly!

Anyway, once inside, there are all kinds of delights waiting. Oh, to have those wonderfully higgledy-piggledy floors and walls, with one step up here and another down there! It’s the perfect foundation for a home brimming with soul, brought to life through playful modern touches and little bursts of surprise – think jewel-yellow pendants, a red chair, an orange desk lamp – all of which create a charming juxtaposition against the property's timeless heritage. 

So, come on – follow me through the back door, and let’s take a tour!

So lovely! 

I absolutely love this home (you know I am a real sucker for old houses), but I also love the dots of colour, which are not overly done, but just enough to add personality, a contemporary twist and interest to each room. 

I'd love to hear about your impressions below.

Is it Ok if we complete the week with a tour of a few more beautiful English homes? Why not pour another coffee and check out: 

A 17th century english farmhouse

Global soul, english heart in a London townhouse

A cosy cliffside hideaway in Devon

Step inside the cosy world of a collector

A beautiful home in Nottinghamshire

Thank you so much for stopping by this little corner of the web—and for all your comments and emails—always great to read! Have a great weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks. 

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Step Inside a Beautiful 1889 Gothenburg Home

It has been a busy one. I managed to visit not one but two cities in two different countries today. I hopped on the train from Malmö, Sweden, to Copenhagen, Denmark, for a meeting, then headed back. I am always amazed by how easy that trip is. You blink and suddenly everyone is speaking Danish!

Both Malmö and Copenhagen are beautiful cities with unique personalities and plenty of Scandinavian design inspiration. But today, on the blog, I am taking you to a third city: Gothenburg. And not just anywhere, but inside this dreamy apartment.

This home stole my heart the moment I saw it. It’s bright, full of character, and has that perfect mix of old charm and thoughtful updates. Built back in 1889, it still has all those gorgeous old details, high ceilings, ornate stucco, tall windows, and even a ceiling rose (always a winner in my book). Together they create a lovely, light-filled atmosphere that’s full of personality.

The hand-painted kitchen, from Swedish brand Kvänum, is another standout. I also love the colours the owners chose for the bedrooms – deep, soothing tones that make the rooms feel calm and cocoon-like. The master is painted a soft blue, and the children’s room is a rich plum that looks amazing with the ochre wall lamp. (And while you’re looking through the photos, don’t miss the wall sculpture and the gallery wall — such a nice touch in the living room). 

Ready to take a look around? Välkommen, as they say in Sweden. 

Note the double 'hotel' curtains—they are so perfect for city homes. We are adding them to a home in Malmö right now as part of our latest interior design project. The sheer layer helps to maintain privacy during the day while still allowing light to filter through, and the outer curtain is a great blackout for the best night's sleep! 

The choice of bedding in Sweden in 2026 - anything with florals or checks and frills! Are you a fan?

Thank you for joining me on the tour! I thought there were some lovely touches. 

Anything stand out to you? 

What kind of curtains do you have in your home? Do you feel like you have got them completely right? 

If you fancy taking a peek at a few more apartments today, check out: 

The eclectic home of a Danish treasure hunter

Soft greens and floral dreams in a Swedish home
A small, cosy Swedish home in earthy tones

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Alvhem (currently for sale).

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A Swedish Cottage Straight from an Astrid Lindgren Story

While the city might be a little dark and grey right now, the countryside is bursting with vibrant autumn colours, and country homes are truly having their moment. Cue: endless daydreams about swapping city streets for gravel driveways and apple trees (it’ll likely never happen, of course, but it’s fun to imagine!).

That’s exactly where my mind wandered when I stumbled upon this dreamy house in Malmby, west of Stockholm. The fairy tale-like property dates back to 1927 and feels like something straight out of an Astrid Lindgren story. 

And something extra special happens when a house like this finds the right owner, and this one clearly has. Green is the colour of choice throughout, flowing from the conservatory and kitchen to the living room and bedroom. It’s a calm, grounded shade that ties the whole home together, natural, timeless and wonderfully traditional. 

Meanwhile, every corner tells a story: a ceramics collection lined up on the windowsill, a cupboard brimming with textiles, patterned upholstery and curtains, and perfectly chosen vintage pieces. It’s the kind of home that feels cherished. I can’t help but hope the next owner will treasure it just as much. Could that be you? Take the tour… but fair warning, you might just fall in love!

Wonderful – so much soul! Did you feel it too?

I bet this house is as cosy as can be at this time of year, but it also comes into its own in summertime, when you can throw open all the windows and doors.

Is green your shade? I have surprisingly little of it at home in the city, but I think it’s a particularly lovely shade for a country home. Do you agree?

Would you like to see a few more country homes on this autumn day in November? 

Emilia's laidback Swedish country home
Jessica's idyllic Swedish country croft
A relaxed vintage inspired home in the French countryside

Have a great start to the week and month! Is it really November already?

Niki

Credits: BOSTHLM, with thanks. 

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Autumn in our little cabin

Hello, it’s 'höstlov' (autumn half-term) here in Sweden, and since the clocks went back this weekend, it suddenly feels so much more moody, cosy, and autumnal. Gloves are on, winter coats are making their first appearance, and the world outside is wrapped in gold. There’s that unmistakable damp chill in the air, and candles are glowing even in the middle of the day — the perfect excuse for hearty stews, hot drinks, and a slightly slower pace.

Do you get an autumn break where you are, too? 

I’m officially putting down my tools for a few days to spend some time at our cabin — my absolute favourite little place for long walks, a crackling fire, lazy breakfasts, and the odd (very competitive) board game with my family before the crazy school days begin again on Monday.

Wishing you all a lovely long weekend — and a happy Halloween to those celebrating! Leaving you with a few pics from our cabin!

See you on Monday friends!

Niki

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