A Striking Holiday Home on The Swedish Island Of Gotland (AND it's for sale!)

As Swedish islands go, Gotland in the Baltic Sea has to be one of my favourite - it's a total summer paradise. Ever since our first ever visit last week I've been planning my next visit and eagerly scouring estate agent sites for holiday cottages (a dreamer, who me?!). And then this one popped up on Trendenser today (thank you Frida!). The house, which is for sale through Fastighetsbyrån, is situated just North East of Visby. Despite being built in 2016 / 2017, it encapsulates many of the traditional architecture traits of the region. Inside, towering A-shaped ceilings give the space a breezy feel while touches of wood add texture and warmth to a beautifully raw, understated living space. Time to dream...

Absolutely beautiful!

I am a huge fan of concrete floors which is probably what caught my eye - having said that, I'd probably need two add a load of rugs and textiles to cosy it up a little. 

Could you imagine rocking about here all summer too?!

Other Gotland homes to fall in love with here. 

When I get home, I'm going to download all my photos and see if I can put together a guide to Gotland. Everyone has to visit at some point!! Might that be of interest?

Happy 'lillördag' (little Saturday)! 

Niki

Photos courtesy of Fastighetsbyrån

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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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The stunning home of a dutch photographer

Every now again I stumble across an extra special home and this is one of them. It belongs to Dutch photographer Dana van Leeuwen and her family and is situated just outside Amsterdam. Dana and her husband bought the land and demolished the existing house before building this beautiful home. A brave move which has certainly paid off. Not only do I love the way the couple have decorated the space with white and concrete floors and muted tones (with the odd splash of colour) but I also love the way Dana has photographed it for Est magazine.

Dana van Leeuwen with kind permission. Inspired by a post from the Style Files with thanks

What a fantastic home don't you think? You can read more about it  in the latest edition of Est magazine  and take a look through Dana's incredible portfolio here.

Spot the little kitty cat?

More devine Dutch home inspiration here, here and here!

Have a lovely day. Oh and please bring back the summer so we can throw open our doors and pad around the garden bare foot again please!

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Hang Out Here: A Dreamy Rustic Loft Under Swaying Palms!

I mentioned yesterday that the weather in Sweden is not great right now - at least, not what you would call 'summer' (a high of 16 degrees (60 Fahrenheit) today - and we live in the South!). The first response tends to be to batten down the hatches at the summer cottage and scurry back to the city. The second for some, if the rain really persists, is to book a last-minute summer holiday abroad! No easy feat this year. So, instead, I'll be dreaming of days at this luxury loft for two, a few steps from a pristine, white sandy beach on the island of Holbox, Quintana Too, Mexico. If the dreamy, cool white interior with boho touches of wood and rattan doesn't grab you - the double bed on the terrace surrounded by swaying palms is sure to seal the deal. The question is, what book to take?! 

At Casa Impala, it's natural all the way - from the concrete floors to the handwoven lighting. We might not all be able to travel right now, but I for one, will be stealing a few ideas to bring a touch of the tropics to my own home!

The mattress stands on a simple wooden structure and a simple cotton beige throw with a pom pom fringe* helps to break up the sea of white and add balance to the room. 

I love this white blanket with pom poms* too (just saying!). 

I'd happily work away from this spot by the window - although I have to admit it would be hard to concentrate with the waves beckoning in the distance!

I love that this loft has two outdoor spaces - one for lounging, another for an evening drink!

The stool reminds me of the ones I use as a bedside table (these vintage stools* are similar).

Those stairs! 

I'd happily hang out here for a loooong time. It could even prompt me to write another book (it would make an amazing writer's retreat, don't you think?!). 

Could you imagine hanging out here under the swaying palms too? 

Read more about Casa Impala onAirbnb! 

Did you get any ideas for your own home? In the advent of the current 'staycation' climate, I've been adding basket bags, straw hats and any other tropical vibes I can think of to my My own home! 

Oh, and in case you're putting together a holiday folder for 2021 or simply looking for some 'tropical' inspiration for your own home - you'll love the holiday home rental and design hotel archives. Perfect for a little dreaming until the sun decides to shine again! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Casa Impala / Airbnb

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A Delightful Dutch Home Defined By Slow Living

Hejsan hoppsan (says no one in Sweden. Ever!). Only a few hours to the weekend friends - weeeee! Are you ready for it?  Oh yes! I thought I'd finish the week on a high. Welcome to the charming world of Tessa Hop, partner Menno, their three boys and little girl in The Netherlands. The family live in a self-designed contemporary wood and glass house surrounded by nature. The interior transports you to a world where natural textures and earthy colours reign supreme. Think muted tones, concrete floors, rattan, stone, and dried flowers in a calming oasis in which to enjoy a slower way of life.

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Gold mobile*, Wood lamp, Floating Leaves by Paper Collective* is similar to these prints

I love the idea of using dead space behind a sofa as a place for a children's table and a pair of Ercol stacking chairs* - such a clever use of space.  Source wooden toys like these from Wooden Story.

 Muuto dots*, round basket bag* (love this!), Ercol love seat

Look at all those happy faces! 

And how amazing is that bath? I'm trying to get some info about it from Tessa, if I hear anything I'll let you know!). I also really like the idea of using a simple wood rail for storage (a DIY idea for the weekend perhaps?!).

This children's room is so pretty. I recently added a rattan day bed from Nordal in my daughters room (tour to follow soon!). This one from Anthropologie* is similar if you live outside Europe).

What a home! I especially loved the bathroom (probably because I'm looking for ideas for my own bathroom).

Is there anything that stood out to you?

So folks. I do believe that's a wrap!

If you'd like to check-out a little more Dutch inspiration this weekend take a peek in this archive (hop over this home if it pops up first).

Have a fabulous couple of days - and see you Monday!

Niki

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