In the month of July, Swedish cities can feel very deserted. Many have fled to the countryside to ‘nytta av’ (benefit from) the lush greenery and 24-hour sunshine for several weeks, sometimes up to six! Hey, we’ve waited a long time for this good weather, when it arrives we need to make the most of it! Every July, Jessica, a high school teacher and the creator behind @bynilsgarden, locks up her house in Trollhättan to enjoy the peace and quiet of her pretty country retreat 70 kilometres away. Located in Mellerud, Dalsland, just West of lake Vänern, it’s a place Jessica goes year-round to watch the seasons unfold. The traditional 1900 Falun red and white structure conceals a pretty, pared back interior with a country feel. Outside, a pretty veranda provides a spot to enjoy the evening sunset. I caught up with Jessica to find out more. 

“The house was built in 1900 as a small ‘Soldarttorp’ (soldier’s croft). The previous owners took great care of it, renovating it slowly with a passion for old houses. It’s located in Dalsland, next to the mountains and a beautiful lake”.

Note: a ‘soldarttorp’ is a croft (or cottage) on the property of a farm reserved for Swedish volunteer soldiers. The dwelling was part of the soldier’s pay and included a small field, a few farm animals and other small outbuildings. 

What a beautiful cottage! I can certainly understand why Jessica loves to come here year-round, how about you? It looks so peaceful.  

See more of this pretty cottage and Jessica’s Trollhättan house on instagram at @bynilsgarden.

If you’re feeling inspired, you might like to check out the country style living archive and Swedish cottage archives – they’re packed with romantic homes and will have you dreaming of a move to the Scandinavian countryside! 

Wishing you a wonderful mid-week – see you Friday!*

Niki

*I am posting three days a week during the summer holidays in order to spend a little more time with the crazies. Check in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – or enjoy the archives round the clock! 

In the month of July, Swedish cities can feel very deserted. Many have fled to the countryside to ‘nytta av’ (benefit from) the lush greenery and 24-hour sunshine for several weeks, sometimes up to six! Hey, we’ve waited a long time for this good weather, when it arrives we need to make the most of it! Every July, Jessica, a high school teacher and the creator behind @bynilsgarden, locks up her house in Trollhättan to enjoy the peace and quiet of her pretty country retreat 70 kilometres away. Located in Mellerud, Dalsland, just West of lake Vänern, it’s a place Jessica goes year-round to watch the seasons unfold. The traditional 1900 Falun red and white structure conceals a pretty, pared back interior with a country feel. Outside, a pretty veranda provides a spot to enjoy the evening sunset. I caught up with Jessica to find out more. 

“The house was built in 1900 as a small ‘Soldarttorp’ (soldier’s croft). The previous owners took great care of it, renovating it slowly with a passion for old houses. It’s located in Dalsland, next to the mountains and a beautiful lake”.

Note: a ‘soldarttorp’ is a croft (or cottage) on the property of a farm reserved for Swedish volunteer soldiers. The dwelling was part of the soldier’s pay and included a small field, a few farm animals and other small outbuildings. 

What a beautiful cottage! I can certainly understand why Jessica loves to come here year-round, how about you? It looks so peaceful.  

See more of this pretty cottage and Jessica’s Trollhättan house on instagram at @bynilsgarden.

If you’re feeling inspired, you might like to check out the country style living archive and Swedish cottage archives – they’re packed with romantic homes and will have you dreaming of a move to the Scandinavian countryside! 

Wishing you a wonderful mid-week – see you Friday!*

Niki

*I am posting three days a week during the summer holidays in order to spend a little more time with the crazies. Check in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – or enjoy the archives round the clock!