A Cotswolds Country House with Peaceful Views Over the Hills

Do you live in your “forever home”? A place you’ve finally landed, fallen in love with, and can’t imagine ever leaving?

Our home in Malmö feels more transient. It’s wonderfully close to the sea and the city, and perfectly suited to our little family right now. But I can imagine that one day we might move — perhaps to an old cottage by the coast, or even abroad. Our summer cottage, though, will always be our true forever home. Inherited from Per’s grandfather, it’s a place we hope our children will one day love and share with their own families.

I could also imagine this extraordinary 17th-century Grade II listed Cotswold house being someone's forever home. Set high above the rolling hills of the Five Valleys, with architecture spanning the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, it offers atmospheric, character-filled living spaces that feel both magical and relaxed. It’s the kind of home where you can kick off your wellies, light the fire, and enjoy a proper cup of tea — surrounded by dog hair, children racing through rooms, and the quiet comfort of lived-in beauty.

That’s why it’s hard to believe it’s for sale, especially when so much thought has gone into the kitchen, art, antiques and colour choices, all coming together in a laid-back, creative and deeply personal way. But perhaps that’s also the opportunity. Could this be your next forever home? If Thursdays aren't for a little dreaming, what are they for? Let's take the tour!

I am a huge fan of curtains - as a window dressing, to keep the draught out by the front door, as a room divider and to cover storage. All you need is a simple rail and that's it! 

Have you noticed the big return of the larder in recent years? So handy! Extra marks if it is painted in another hue - like this one (or the one seen in Natalie's Malmö kitchen!). 

A roaring fire anywhere in the home is lovely, but in the kitchen? Simply wonderful! 

Accents of deep blue, earthy green, blush and yellow really add to the richness of the home. 

I grew up with a chest-of-drawers that looked exactly like this one in my childhood bedroom. Getting a pair of socks out took a whole deal of shuffling, teasing and whatever means - not good if you're already running late for school. Still, they sure do look pretty! 

The checks, rustic bench and art deco lamp in the bathroom are yet another example of how the owners have gone a little 'off piste' and added quirky touches that break away from the traditional country home. 

Such a fascinating home - there's no denying the beauty of the architecture. 

I am so looking forward to hearing your thoughts below! 

Would you like to see a few more country homes today? How about: 

Exploring a soulful Cotswolds home
Anita's cosy little home in the Cotswolds (before and after)
An idyllic red and white Swedish farmhouse
Five Danish country homes to love

I hope you have a cosy weekend! See you Tuesday!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Inigo, shared with thanks

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Two Dreamy Airbnb Cottages on the Swedish island of Gotland

It’s no secret that I absolutely love the Swedish island of Gotland. Granted, I’ve only been there once—when we sailed there on an East Coast tour and Per pretty much had to drag me away after five days (well past our original plan!). I was completely bowled over by the island’s beauty, creativity, and laid-back vibe, and I’ve been dreaming about returning ever since.

It’s only January, but after one sunny day my mind was immediately transported back there (even if the temperature is hovering around zero degrees!). In case you’re feeling tempted to visit this beautiful place, here are a couple of Airbnb cottages I stumbled upon today.

1. Jordkällaren beach cottage on Fårö

Just north of Gotland lies the tiny island of Fårö, connected to the main island by ferry. Rugged and wild, it has inspired creatives for generations. Film maker Ingmar Bergman called it home, and today his house is available as an artist residency. Imagine?

The island is rich in contrasts: deep, atmospheric forests, a long stretch of deserted beach, and dramatic stone stacks jutting straight out of the sea. True to Gotland style, it’s also peppered with ultra-cool yet wonderfully laid-back bakeries, cafes and restaurants.

Tucked away in Mölnorviken, you’ll find this little stone cottage. Its name translates as “The Earth Cellar,” a nod to its past as a jordkällare—a traditional underground storage space once used to keep food cool year-round. Today, the small stone cottage, with its sedum roof and location just 90 metres from the beach, offers a cosy place to stay, complete with a small kitchen (not pictured) and a barbecue spot looking out to sea. Perfect!

2. The Limestone Cottage

The main town on Gotland is Visby—where the ferries arrive (and where we also moored up during our first few nights). Dating back to medieval times, the town feels like a living village, buzzing with restaurants and cafés all summer long.

Just ten minutes from Visby and only 2 km from the sea, this limestone oasis is surrounded by meadows and quiet gravel roads. The interior is pared-back yet inviting, while the garden is beautifully wild – perfect for a barbecue dinner or a drink in the evening sun.

Lovely! I’d be perfectly happy whiling away long Swedish summer days, soaking up the pin-sharp Baltic light and fresh air at either of these beautiful stays — how about you?

It was sadly quite a while ago that I last visited Gotland, but if you’d like to take a look at my guide (alongside a few other Baltic islands), you can find it here.

I’ve also shared many other beautiful stays on the island, including:

A rustic Gotland cottage with a pool
A beautiful limestone barn stay
A summer island retreat with a pool for family and friends

And you can even take a peek inside a few private summer homes too — including:

Elsa's inspiring summer cottage
A converted school on the island of Gotland
A 19th century house ready for summer

Here’s to a little summer dreaming, friends!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks.

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A Warm Swedish Home with Built-In Bookshelves

Bookshelves. That was a question in the comments this week. And if January is known for one thing, it’s reading. Some love to read from their iPad or a Kindle, others prefer audiobooks, and of course, there’s the beauty of a physical book too. Either way, seeing tomes in a home automatically makes it look more lived-in and cosy. Hence one of the reasons why I picked this Swedish home (among other reasons, of course)! I mean, just look at those built-in shelves! I love how they blend with the wall colour too (Ginseng by Jotun).

In fact, there’s plenty to admire in this home. From the open-plan kitchen with its green cabinets (fronts from Picky Living, who make designs that can be mounted on an IKEA frame) and the kitchen island (topped with Jura stone) that doubles as a room divider, to the multifunctional way the sitting room can be a cosy spot for two to put their feet up — or use the chaise longues and pouf for extra seating when socialising. And why not add a spotty chair in the corner of your bedroom? A fun, slightly quirky touch — and I’m expecting to see more bespoke armchairs upholstered in cool patterns this year too.

Speaking of the bedroom, the large wardrobe is also a treat (made by Deco Form). Do you think if you had somewhere this big to store your clothes, you’d still let them spill over to a ‘chairdrobe’? Knowing me, probably!

Anyway, I digress — it’s time to let you get on with the tour! Put your feet up, friends, this is a goodie.

I did enjoy this tour, I must say. A couple of details caught my eye: when it comes to kitchens, I am a firm believer that you can save a little on the skeleton (like they have here, using IKEA as a base) and then use a company like Superfront or Picky Living to spruce it up. Not only that, but I also love how smart appliances can really give your kitchen a lift. I’ve been patiently waiting for some of ours to break down just so I could replace them with favourites — and three great ones that I’ve invested in lately are an Aarke carbonator (also seen in this home), a Dualit toaster, and a Bodum kettle (none of which are sponsored - they simply have caught my eye!).

Do you have appliances in your kitchen that you love, too?

The other thing to note is the splashes of primary colour — a dot of red, a hint of blue… it goes a long way in adding to the relaxed feel of the space.

Is there anything that stood out to you about this lovely Swedish home? 

Would you like to see a few more tours today? How about: 

A white Swedish home in Stockholm in winter time
A cosy Danish loft full of plants
Interior designer Sasa's Stockholm apartment

Before I head off today, I wanted to say a huge thank you for all your comments on Monday’s post — I was so grateful for all your support about going down to two posts a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), and also for all your positive thoughts about the blog posts and this community — such a great way to start the year! I am just nipping down the road to buy some chocolate — hey, it’s a dark January day, a girl needs a lift, right? And then I’m going to settle down and reply to each and every one of them.

See you back here on Tuesday!

Niki

Credits: Historiska Hem

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A Breath of Fresh Air in Södermalm, Stockholm

Why, hello there! Happy New Year!! I hope you had a relaxing time over the holidays and managed to stay warm. Here in Sweden it’s sooooo cold right now, so I’m sitting here wrapped in a blanket with my hands around a mug of tea. I do love the snow, though (definitely not the ice!).

At home, I’ve been on a bit of a decluttering mission (cue lots of eye-rolling from the teenagers in the household!). Still, there’s something so satisfying about ridding your space of things you no longer use or love and passing them on to someone who will. Are you going through the same process?

I think that’s why I was drawn to today’s home: a modern, minimalist apartment in Södermalm, Stockholm. The home has plenty of storage—both open and closed—so there’s a place for everything, and, importantly, everything is in its place (goals!). Not only that, but I love how, once the clutter is cleared away, the items you do have really stand out. This Swedish flat has some seriously cool design pieces, from tables to lamps.

Ready to take the tour?

What a breath of fresh air. I hope my home can be as organised as this one day! I also really like the different style of storage they have used from metal to glass shelves to in-built closed cabinets that reveal a barista station. 

Is there anything that stood out to you?

Before I go, I wanted to share something a little more personal with you. I truly love writing this blog and being part of this wonderful, kind, and positive community — it genuinely means so much to me. This space has become very special, and knowing that you’re here reading along is something I never take for granted.

Lately, my work schedule has become tighter and more demanding, and I’ve felt the need to slow things down just a little so I can continue showing up here in a way that feels sustainable and joyful. With that in mind, I’ve decided that for the foreseeable future I’ll be posting twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

I really hope you understand, and I truly appreciate your support and kindness. Please know that I remain just as committed to sharing inspiring homes, beautiful details, and moments of calm with you. See you Thursday!

Niki

Credits: Historiska Hem (for sale)
Photo: Jocke Ono
Styling: Anna Van Keppel

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