Beautiful Limestone Barn on the island of Gotland (It's on Airbnb!)

Are you an early or late  holiday planner? I have to confess I'm a little of a last-minute traveller, but there's something to be said for having a wonderful trip to look forward to! If you're thinking of visiting Sweden this summer, I would suggest booking Kalkstenslada (Limestone Barn) early. I stumbled across the property on Airbnb this morning, and I've been dreaming about it ever since! 

According to the description, the barn is newly refurbished and nestled on a headland in beautiful Faludden, southeast Gotland, surrounded by meadows and paddocks. Tracks lead down to a sandy beach and a pretty harbour. 

If you go, I'd recommend hiring bikes and explore the island, it's one of the world's best kept secrets, with galleries, farm shops, vintage stores and cafes and restaurants waiting to be discovered! And once you're back at the barn, it's simply to kick back and relax in true Gotland style! Tell me I haven't got your summer sorted?

The concrete floors and chalk walls beautiful reflect the rugged nature of the island. 

Source similar vintage wood chairs here*.  The lovely table looks like it's been made by a local carpenter but do correct me if I'm wrong! 

You can achieve the mottled effect on the walls using lime paint (I use Kalklitir - and would recommend adding a topcoat). 

The main living room is completely open plan with a kitchen (the units looks like Lerhyttan by ikea), dining area and sitting room. The stairs lead off it to bedrooms upstairs. 

Rattan furniture with blue cushions adds a relaxed, coastal vibe while a map and bird motif art give a nod to the surrounding area. Two Gotland sheepskin throws* have been draped over the sofa. 

I'd be perfectly happy curling up here this weekend and leafing through those coffee table books, how about you? 

Blue and beige bedlinen matches the colour of the nearby beach, giving the bedroom a fresh, summer vibe! From some of the rooms, you can see the glistening sea in the distance! 

Gotland is breath-taking! Per, the girls and I sailed there one summer. We were only meant to stay for a couple of days, and Per had to drag me off after four! I'd have stayed all summer if I could have. See some pictures and my guide to island hopping in The Baltic. 

Could you imagine spending your summer here? 

You can find more information about Limestone Barn and book your stay here. 

It would be rude not to share a few more houses on Gotland with you today. Here are a few of my favourites: 

A rustic summer cottage on Gotland with a pool (available to rent) 

Elsa's lovely summer cottage

A converted schoolhouse 

A 19th century house ready for summer

Right folks. That's it from me this week. I just need to wrap up a few things at my desk and then it's time for the WEEKEND! And we have a birthday in the house too - 'Grattis' Per! 

Wishing you all a relaxing couple of days, see you Monday! 

Niki

Images courtesy of Airbnb / Kalkstenslada

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A Converted School House on the Swedish Island of Gotland

Summer dreaming here again on My Scandinavian Home - with a virtual trip to the beautiful Swedish island of Gotland - and a magnificent, converted school that's just come on the market (are Per's ears burning yet?)! Dating back to 1860, Frojels Annex is located in Western Gotland and made up of a series of buildings which have been lovingly restored, all the while ensuring original features such as the big stone walls, atrium and beams play a starring role. The entire place sleeps 14 - which makes it a perfect place for an extended family to gather in summertime and unwind.  No doubt there are some bikes at the ready to take on of the gravel lanes down to the Baltic for a swim, before coming home to recline on vintage furniture in one of the many outdoor social areas. A perfect summer oasis in which to relax, be together - but also be alone! 

Could you imagine spending your summers here?

I understand the bidding has already started - but if you're quick, it might not be too late to jump in! More info via Bertwig here. 

If you're looking for a Scandinavian adventure this summer which includes Gotland, check out my guide to Swedish island hopping in The Baltic.  

In the meantime, why not lengthen your virtual stay on the island today and take a look at: 

A rustic summer cottage

A relaxed Swedish summer cabin by the sea
Your island retreat on the island of Gotland
A pared back Swedish summer house on Gotland
A Beautiful Gotland home in soothing shades of grey

 

Have a great start to the week! 

Niki

PS Thank you so much for your all your lovely comments about our new bedroom nook at the cabin (and for sharing your tips on air circulation) - it means so much. We're hoping to head up there later this week finish off some of the details. We still don't have blinds - with a 4.30am sunrise that's a little bit of a struggle!

Photography: courtesy of Bertwig with thanks 

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A 19th Century House Ready for Summer, On The Swedish Island of Gotland

Linda and Martin Bendelin Munkhammar grew up on the Swedish summer paradise island of Gotland before moving to Stockholm for higher education and work. But when they had their first child, they longed for their home turf and wanted to give their children the idyllic childhood they had enjoyed on the Swedish Baltic island. The pair fell in love with a dilapidated old 19th century limestone house near the coast in Djupvik in Southwestern Gotland which was in major need of repair. After extensive work - the beautiful house has become their home - and a place where children can roam free in the garden surrounded by lavender, and Linda and Martin can enjoy morning dips on the nearby beach. The interior offers a cool respite from the long hours of sunshine - and features cool, exposed stone, original wood beams and beautifully textured walls inspired by the surrounding landscape. Let's take the tour!

How beautiful! 

I understand why they wanted to go home, do you?

Gotland really is a wonderful island, and really comes into its' own in summertime. But more so, I bet the locals really appreciate the end of summer when the tourists pile onto the last ferry back to the mainland and the island quietens down and readies itself for a raw yet revitalising winter! 

See the full feature in Residence magazine here (in Swedish). 

Would you like to see more inspiration from Gotland? I love: 

Scandinavian Travel Inspiration: Island hopping in the Swedish Baltic 

A rustic pool villa in classic Gotland style

A charming 19th century house on Gotland

An island retreat

Har det så bra! 

Niki

Photography: Emma Jönsson Dysell - shared with kind permission

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Your island retreat on the Swedish island of Gotland?

Hello! Having a bit of a Monday morning shock here after two very late nights in a row. Guh! Coffee. I hope you've had a great weekend too? Luckily I have something to brighten up the start of our working week. A summer home in Hamra, on the wild and wonderful island of Gotland (off Sweden's East coast)! The retreat recently came on the market through Fantastic Frank (and I'm pretty sure it will be snapped up in no time). The home is a blend of concrete and wood adding just the right amount of warmth. The look is simple and pared-back with soft linens and the obligatory Gotland sheepskin throw. Oh and did I mention a pool and small guesthouse too?!

Source: Fantastic Frank

Oh so lovely. The nature is just beautiful on Gotland.

Could you spend your summers here?

A few items I love from this home:  Gotland sheepsking throw, light grey linen bedding, g print, PH 5 pendant lamp.

*But where's that pool you mentioned?* - see a complete tour of the rural home here.

And more Gotland homes here.

If I've got you in the holiday mood you might also like to see this magical post- hey, shall we just forget the working week completely?!

Have a lovely day!

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