Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Light and Airy Restored Home With a Beautiful Garden
Work done during every spare moment turned a derelict building and empty plot into a pretty home and stunning, flower-filled garden
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 holiday, the pair worked on the property. 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.
“From the start, there were a lot of people in the neighbourhood 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 garden 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 laughs.
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 garden 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 laughs.
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’ve chosen to mix old and new, as we find it creates a comfortable whole,” Kerstin says. The modern furniture blends into the vintage 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 by only painting one room white. From there it spread to the rest of the house,” Kerstin recalls.
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 has made many dolls and clothes in this craft room. “Now the children and even the grandchildren are grown up, and there’s 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 garden.
Also upstairs is the living room, Kerstin’s favourite spot in the house. “The light in the living room is so incredibly beautiful; that’s why this room is one of the nicest for me.”
Browse 10 decorating ideas for white living rooms
Browse 10 decorating ideas for white living rooms
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’ve transferred my love of plants and cultivation to my husband,” Kerstin says. “When we bought the property, all that was here was a peony 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 a ‘Constance Spry’ rose.
Read expert advice on what to do in the garden in September
Read expert advice on what to do in the garden in September
There’s always a new outdoor project to tackle, which is how Kerstin and Håkan like it. “Our next project is renovating an old barn, where I can organise events and accommodate large parties,” she says. For now, visitors get to stay in the peaceful guesthouse by the pond, which is stocked with crayfish and rainbow trout.
What do you think of this revived home and garden? Have you ever brought a house or outside space back to life? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.
What do you think of this revived home and garden? Have you ever brought a house or outside space back to life? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.
Who lives here Kerstin and Håkan Ahlstedt
Location Rödja, near Vetlanda in Småland, a historical province in southern Sweden
Size 3,121 sq ft (290 sq m); plus a separate sauna and guesthouse
That’s interesting In 2002, Kerstin and Håkan received an award from the municipality for the work they’d done on the property.