Houzz Tour: A Swedish Home and Garden Fit for a Dream
Work done on weekends and vacations turns a nondescript lot into an outdoor sanctuary filled with beautiful plantings and places to unwind
Amanda Strömberg
July 23, 2016
Redaktör, Houzz Norden
It’s been 18 years since Kerstin Ahlstedt and her husband, Håkan, bought this 1892 home in southern Sweden. At the time, it was just an empty shell, its garden nothing much to see. For three years during every weekend and vacation, the pair worked on the yard. Now the home is an award-winner, and the garden features arches covered with clematis, hedges with small openings, a pond, a sauna, a guesthouse and gravel paths lined with flowers.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Håkan and Kerstin Ahlstedt
Location: Rödja, near Vetlanda in Småland, a historical province in southern Sweden
Size: 3,121 square feet (290 square meters). On the property is a separate building with a sauna and a guesthouse. A pond by the guesthouse is stocked with crayfish and rainbow trout.
Kudos: In 2002, Håkan and Kerstin received an award from the municipality for the work they had done on the property.
Who lives here: Håkan and Kerstin Ahlstedt
Location: Rödja, near Vetlanda in Småland, a historical province in southern Sweden
Size: 3,121 square feet (290 square meters). On the property is a separate building with a sauna and a guesthouse. A pond by the guesthouse is stocked with crayfish and rainbow trout.
Kudos: In 2002, Håkan and Kerstin received an award from the municipality for the work they had done on the property.
“From the start there were a lot of people in the neighborhood who followed our progress with interest,” Kerstin says, “possibly because the property was so old and they wanted to see what exciting things we would come up with.”
The front porch shows the love of carpentry common in this part of Sweden.
The front porch shows the love of carpentry common in this part of Sweden.
The renovations began on the outside with a new roof and planed and painted walls. “I couldn’t stop myself when it came to the garden, so I kept working on it as soon as I had a spare moment,” Kerstin says.
She and Håkan had a grand opening once both the house and yard were ready. Everyone who wanted to come and see all the changes were welcome. “We put on period costumes and stood on the steps and I even gave a speech,” Kerstin says, laughing at the memory.
In the years since, the couple have continued to invite people over to enjoy the garden and spend time in the sauna and hot tub.
She and Håkan had a grand opening once both the house and yard were ready. Everyone who wanted to come and see all the changes were welcome. “We put on period costumes and stood on the steps and I even gave a speech,” Kerstin says, laughing at the memory.
In the years since, the couple have continued to invite people over to enjoy the garden and spend time in the sauna and hot tub.
The home’s floor plan has remained the same since 1892, and most of its old windows and doors have been preserved.
Examples of the details that have remained for more than 100 years are evident in the hallway. “The outer doors are old, so they pull inwards, which was common in the past in order for the house to be more welcoming to guests,” Kerstin says.
Examples of the details that have remained for more than 100 years are evident in the hallway. “The outer doors are old, so they pull inwards, which was common in the past in order for the house to be more welcoming to guests,” Kerstin says.
“In terms of interior decorating, we have chosen to mix both old and new, as we find it creates a comfortable whole,” she says. The newer furniture blends into the old surroundings; at times it can be difficult to tell what’s new and what’s old.
Walls, ceilings and most of the furniture are painted white. “Our old home was a lot darker, and we started with only painting one room white, and from there it spread to the rest of the house,” Kerstin says.
A living area opens off the kitchen, making for a light, bright space.
The double front doors are just out of view to the right.
Kerstin made many dolls and clothes in this crafts room. “Now that the children and even the grandchildren are grown up, and there is always something that needs doing in the garden, I usually just come to this room to mend things once in a while,” she says.
The top floor has a small hallway, home to a display of shoes.
The fantastic windows in daughter Åsa’s old bedroom have views of the yard.
Also upstairs is the living room, Kerstin’s favorite spot in the house. “The light in the living room is so incredibly beautiful, and that is why this room is one of the nicest for me.”
The white theme of the house continues here.
A glossy black bed grounds this otherwise white bedroom.
In front of the glassed-in porch is a dining table with plenty of seating for friends and family.
“I have transferred my love of plants and cultivation to my husband,” Kerstin says with a laugh.
“When we bought the property, all that was here was a peony bush and a rose bush. Now there are 100 peony bushes and at least as many roses. There are also two greenhouses on the property filled with greenery,” she says.
“When we bought the property, all that was here was a peony bush and a rose bush. Now there are 100 peony bushes and at least as many roses. There are also two greenhouses on the property filled with greenery,” she says.
A relaxing corner of the garden is lit up by the ‘Constance Spry’ rose.
There’s always a new outdoor project, which is how Kerstin and Håkan like it. “Our next project is renovating an old barn, where I can organize events and accommodate large parties,” she says. For now, visitors get to stay in the peaceful guesthouse by the pond.
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So pristine!
This is beautiful. I'm not sure the white floors would work with our many pets :-) but the traditional Swedish look is delightful.