Nestled between ancient oak trees and surrounded by wildflowers stands a garden house that seems plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. This whimsical cottage blends seamlessly with nature, creating a sanctuary where imagination and reality dance together. Step inside this enchanted dwelling where every corner tells a story and the boundary between indoors and outdoors melts away like morning mist.
1. A Seamless Blend of Indoors and Outdoors
The kitchen, adorned with a leafy wallcovering by Kate Walton, creates a harmonious transition between the surrounding meadow and the interior space.
This design choice, paired with a green tile backsplash and a rustic countertop made from wood reclaimed from an 1800s Swedish château, infuses the space with warmth and character.
A shelf beneath a trio of green sconces holds essentials for breakfast and afternoon tea, emphasizing the home’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
2. Lofted Sleeping Quarters Among the Trees
Maximizing the compact footprint, Linda designed an open sleeping loft above the kitchen, utilizing the vaulted ceiling to its fullest potential. The loft features a botanical wallpapered ceiling and antique windows, allowing for a dreamy ambiance where one can wake up to the swaying sounds of the trees.
3. A Natural Haven for Wildlife
The summer house’s secluded woodland setting, complemented by a large wildflower-filled meadow, naturally attracts local wildlife. Linda often observes foxes in spring, moose feasting on apples in autumn, and reindeer munching on leftover seeds at dusk and dawn.
Hares race each other across the meadow, and owls have found a special place outside her office, keeping her company at night. This vibrant ecosystem enhances the fairy-tale quality of the retreat.
4. Reclaimed Materials with Rich Histories
The summer house is constructed from reclaimed materials collected over the years, including a terra-cotta tile roof from an old cottage and brick flooring from an 1800s mansion. Antique French doors, previously used as tables and flower shelves, now serve as elegant entrances, each piece contributing a unique story and texture to the home.
5. Handcrafted Kitchen Details
The kitchen’s design emphasizes handcrafted elements, with pottery on the shelves comprising Linda’s own creations, pieces made by friends, and items from tellmemore.se. This personal touch adds depth and authenticity to the space, reflecting Linda’s commitment to meaningful design.
6. Vintage Windows with Character
Tall, pointed windows sourced from a local antique and reclamation shop flood the sitting area with natural light and offer expansive views of the meadow. These windows, characteristic of northern Swedish style, enhance the greenhouse-inspired aesthetic of the summer house.
7. Cozy Sitting Area with Meadow Views
The sitting area, adorned with cushions and throws from Linda’s former boutiques in Sweden and London, provides a comfortable space to relax and enjoy the surrounding landscape. In winter, the area becomes a cozy retreat next to the wood burner, maintaining its inviting atmosphere year-round.
8. Thoughtful Exterior Design
Linda painted the exterior of the summer house in Dulux Heritage’s ‘Dusted Moss 2’, a light grey that echoes the farmhouse’s gables and door linings. This choice establishes a visual connection between the two structures, creating a cohesive aesthetic across the property.
9. Personalized Dining Space
The dining area features a table from vadstenaantik.com, a Swedish antique shop housed in an old barn. This piece, along with glassware made by glassblower Annette Alsio, adds a personalized and artisanal touch to the space, enhancing its rustic charm.
10. Artisanal Glassware Accents
Glassware crafted by Swedish glassblower Annette Alsio adorns the dining table, adding a touch of elegance and craftsmanship to the setting. These pieces reflect Linda’s appreciation for artisanal work and contribute to the home’s unique character.
11. Inviting Porch for Relaxation
The porch, styled in a rustic atmosphere, serves as a cozy outdoor space to unwind. It’s the perfect place to sip on coffee in the morning or enjoy a glass of wine in the evening, seamlessly blending comfort with the great outdoors.
12. Whimsical Fairytale Garden
Linda’s garden, nestled below a large mountain in Närke, Sweden, is decorated with glass bulbs hanging from trees and fairy lights in mason jars. This whimsical ambiance creates a peaceful patch of green, perfect for a quiet afternoon in the sun.
13. Meadow Established Over Seven Years
The 1200 sqm wildflower meadow surrounding the summer house was patiently established by Linda over seven years. Now alive with butterflies and other pollinators, it enhances the property’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
14. Personal Retreat for Creativity
Linda uses the summer house as a space to reconnect with her roots, draw energy and inspiration from nature, and accommodate guests. Whether hosting parties or spending time watching the flower meadow with a book and a cup of tea, it serves as a place of calm and creativity.
15. Integration of Antique and Modern Elements
Throughout the summer house, Linda integrates antique details with modern furnishings. Characteristic wallpapers and a blend of color schemes create a harmonious balance between the old and the new, reflecting her unique design sensibility.