About Scandinavian Hideaway
Scottish guy building his dream Scandinavian house in the forests of Småland, Sweden.
An intro to the land
In December 2020 I bought a chunk of woodland in Småland, Sweden. Småland is a historical province known for its picturesque red wooden houses and the wonderful stories from the author Astrid Lindgren.
My land is around a couple of hectares of mixed woodland. It has been a tad neglected over the years; fallen trees, overgrown. Basically unmanaged forest.
It consists of a little clearing (which we call the meadow), and a couple of interesting features (one of which we call the crater) and has the traditional moss-covered stone wall to one side and a small creek to the other. It lies on what we believe is moraine soil with a gentle gradient. Up the back of the land, it feels remote, cosy but ever so slightly dense forest. Up the front the clearing is protected from the road, giving easy access, yet privacy.
When I bought the land it had nothing: no driveway, well, electricity or anything. In the spring of 2023, the construction of a new summerhouse will begin, and you’re welcome to follow along on this site and Instagram.
Project timeline
How long does it take to build a house in Sweden? Below you will find the project timeline roughly laid out. Trust me, there’s been many bumps on the road in terms of changing direction, closed borders due to Covid and other reasons for delays, so I have not included every single step – but the most significant ones.
Bought the land
Read the full post on how to find and buy land in Sweden as a foreigner.
Request for a connection to the grid
Got a driveway
Connected to the grid
Read the entire post on how to get electricity on an empty plot of land.
Signed with the final contractor
Start message (Permission to build)
Read the entire post on getting permission to build in Sweden.
Construction has started
Scandinavian cabin style
A secluded cabin in the woods inspired by Scandinavian design and Nordic living. That’s the visual style and atmosphere I am aiming for with the house. I want to keep it minimalistic, natural and hygge. The land itself plays a big part: I am very inspired by Piet Oudolf’s landscape design with ornamental grasses and various perennials.
The house will be around 50-60m2 with two bedrooms, a bathroom that has a bathtub with a view of the conifers outside, a combined kitchen/living room with a wood burning stove and floor to ceiling glass looking onto the meadow. On the right you see images that serve as inspiration.
Sources: Urban Choreography, Serpentine Galleries
