A Rustic Summer Cottage On The Swedish Island of Gotland

Thank you for sharing all your thoughts on Thursday. I've been thinking about you all and also how to approach all of this here on MSH. After some thought, I've decided to do what I (hope I) do best: provide somewhere where we can all come each day, pour a coffee, put our feet up and feel inspired - even if just for a few moments at a time. What do you think? 

With that in mind, today we're heading on a virtual trip to the Swedish island of Gotland. I paid my first visit during our Baltic sailing trip last summer (you can read / see pictures of our trip here) and I've been dreaming about it ever since. Located off the east coast of Sweden, the island offers everything you can possibly imagine: breath-taking scenery, rolling hills, great swathes of deserted sandy beaches, roads lined with banks of wildflowers, hundreds of ateliers, galleries and farm shops, you name it! It's a truly magical place! 

Tempted to add this to your 'future holidays' file? If so, this traditional limestone cottage with pretty blue window frames is waiting for you! It sleeps 8 and made up of a main house and guest house both of which have been decorated in a charming pared-down, rustic way. Oh, and it has a heated pool (after all, the Swedish summer can be highly suspect at times!). Ready for the tour? 

Beautiful!

This is EXACTLY my type of holiday home! Could you imagine staying here too?

Have you been to Gotland? If not I can highly recommend it, and when you do, this place is available to rent through Airbnb (totally one to add to your list!).

In the meantime, here is some more beautiful inspiration from the island:

A charming 19th century house on Gotland
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

And if you'd like to add one thing to your own home to get a taste of the island - and feel that little more cosy, it's a Gotland sheepskin throw*. I've had mine for 5 years and it's invaluable!

Think I might just go back and look through my pictures of our trip to the Blekinge archipelago and Gotland again and re live it!

Nothing like starting the week with a little dreaming, don't you think?

Niki

Photographs courtesy of Airbnb. 
*Affiliate link

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An Idyllic Swedish Summer Cottage (and Caravan) on Gotland

Every summer, Swedish journalist, blogger and writer Emma Sundh and her family swap their busy Stockholm lives for a slower pace on the beautiful island of Gotland. Long summer days are spent relaxing at their cottage, ambling along to the nearby beach or entertaining on their big pink bus (yes, really!). Welcome to Emma's delightful vintage world! 

// affiliated links marked with *//

 The Swedish summer cottage is known for being pared-back and understated. A clutch of simple wild flowers, a vintage jug and oil lamp is all this pretty table setting needs!

Pick up a vintage oil lamp here* - or for a more modern take, I'm a big fan of the Klong*!

The lavender garland is so pretty - yet so simple to make, plus you could create one to match any season!

Emma added the larder using the same materials and paint for a seamless fit with the traditional style kitchen. A Smeg fridge freezer also makes a great retro addition!  

I love this little vintage mirror, it's a perfect way to brighten up a hallway (it helps to bounce light around) and the shelf creates just enough space for a vase of wild flowers!

Who needs a coffee table when you can use two vintage suitcases* (with built-in storage too!).

 The bedroom has been simply decorated in a white, green (the shade looks similar to 'Restful Le Havre') and dark wood scheme - flowers add a lovely pop of colour!

One of the children's bedrooms has been decorated in the same colour.

Pick up a similar vintage school poster here*.

Emma has covered one wall in the top bedroom with the super pretty Carnation Garden wallpaper from BoråsTapater.

There's additional space for guests in a fab retro caravan. And supper is sometimes served on Emma's pink bus!

What a beautiful way to spend the summer!

Pink bus anyone?!

Check out more truly lovely Gotland cottages here:

A charming 19th century house
A Pared-back Swedish summer home
The bohemian holiday home of a Swedish photographer

And keep an eye on Emma's blog Emma's Vintage and instagram feed for snapshots from her life on Gotland and Sweden's capital city.

Have a dreamy day friends!

Niki

Photography: 1 & 6 Therese / Studio Plåthus the rest by Emma Sundh, shared with kind permission.

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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 Waterside Swedish Summer Cottage with a Sauna

A wise person once told me 'everyone has a season' in which they thrive. Do you find this? While I try to embrace each season, if truth be told, my heart belongs to summer! In Scandinavia it's a really magical time of year - time seems to be suspended and the world is bathed in a luxurious pin-sharp light. And the locals know exactly how to celebrate it in style! 

This incredible summer cottage in Värmdo, Stockholm County transports me to the month of July, when many Swedes flock to the coast to make the most of the warm weather. Although understated, the property has everything a family need to make the most of the season: accessible by boat, it has an understated charm, a guest house and sauna. Ready to take a look around? 

Although pared-back, the sitting room still has a warm vibe thanks to a deep red and blue rug and a wood-burning stove. Shelves laden with sea-themed treasures help to bring in the coastal surroundings. 

The dining area is surrounded by windows, giving the space an outdoor feel and views over the water. 

I love the use of texture in the kitchen. Using different finishes like concrete and wood panelling adds interest (see this swedish apartment for a variety of finishes!). 

Open shelving in the kitchen is ideal for displaying summery items like picnic baskets and vases for flowers and also creates a relaxed grab and go feel. 

Guesthouse

A self-contained guesthouse - complete with kitchen, living room area, bedroom and bathroom ensures everyone has their own space - especially great for longer stays! 

The Hemnes sofa bed from IKEA provides an extra bunk when needed. 

Sauna house 

Your very own spa? Heaven! True to Swedish style, the sauna house is understated yet provides everything you might need to relax including a wood-burning sauna, relaxation room and easy access to cool off with a dip in the sea. 

What a place to spend summer. I can just imagine arriving from Stockholm by boat! 

Actually scrap that, get those fires roaring and the sauna going and it would also make a perfect getaway in the winter, don't you think? 

Could you imagine wiling away your weekends and holidays here too? The good news it, it's currently for sale! Shall we pool our money and share it between us? 

Dream away and feel inspired by other Scandinavian summer cottages today in this archive (if this comes up first just scroll down to a load more beautiful properties!). 

Ha det bra! 

Niki

Photography courtesy of Norstrand Mäkleri with thanks. 

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