Sometimes one blog post leads organically to the next, and so this recent post on La Granja Ibiza brought me to this house in Gotland in Sweden, which is currently on the market with Fantastic Frank. When we were on holiday in Northumberland back in September, we stayed in an old steading conversion with vaulted ceilings and chunky original roof beams, and with some exposed stone walls and brick detailing, and it made me realise how much I love this rustic style. For me, this look works best when the rustic elements are combined with simple, pared back furnishings, and with a few crisp and contemporary touches – I have a ‘New Rustic‘ Pinterest board dedicated to this look.
Which brings me back to this recently renovated period home in Gotland – a house that exemplifies this aesthetic.
Described by Fantastic Frank as having been ‘gently renovated’, this interior, while contemporary, is also filled with period character. Limestone flooring flows through the main living space above and below – a luxurious addition with underfloor heating – and whitewashed walls have a lovely faded patina in their finish. I like the rounded edges rather than squared-off lines to the door and window openings – details that make this interior feels authentic to the period of the house, which dates from 1771.
Personally, I’d have added a Shaker-style kitchen here, painted in a subtle pale hue – think of the classic yet contemporary Shaker kitchens by DeVOL – but the owners have chosen a very contemporary kitchen design that contrasts with the age of the house, and I like this approach too, particularly given the warm grey colour palette. Note the slight iridescence in the mosaic splashback catching the light – a nice touch.
Likewise the bathrooms are contemporary, but with classic materials – as with the natural finish of the tiling below – offsetting the modern fittings.
The kitchen and living spaces are on the ground floor with two large bedrooms and a study and bathroom on the first floor, and with another two large rooms on the upper level, including a large bedroom. This floor level is bathed in light from the roof lights above, but the effect is softened by the timber panelling.
And given the location and sea views, you can understand why this house has also been designed to embrace outdoor living with patios to the rear from which to soak up the morning sun. I’d be quite happy (okay, very happy!) to be having breakfast out here.
A beautiful house, and a sympathetic renovation. See more photos on the listing with Fantastic Frank.
All photography via Fantastic Frank.
