From grandmother's cottage to dream home on Öland
From a small red cottage of 40 square meters with small windows, to a modern house filled with light and space. Anna and Andreas have built a new summer house on northern Öland. A place that has carried the family's history for generations and that is now equipped to be enjoyed year-round.
A place with history
In the 1940s Anna's grandparents bought a summer cottage north of Borgholm to be closer to relatives on Öland. The house became the family's gathering place for decades, but the small rooms and limited light no longer suited the family's needs. The decision to build new was not easy, tearing down the little red cottage also meant saying goodbye to many memories tied to the cottage.
– In the old cottage we mostly stayed outdoors because the cottage was dark and cramped. We had two small rooms where everyone slept on top of each other. It was charming in its own way, but not practical, Anna says.
When the decision was made to build new, the family wanted to preserve the place's soul but create a home that worked for their lifestyle. The old 40-square-meter house with small windows was to be replaced by something suitable for a family of four. After looking at various options, they chose Sommarnöjen.
– We first looked at other suppliers, but when we got in touch with Sommarnöjen we immediately got a good impression. Everything felt transparent and professional, says Anna.
Smooth construction process
Because the family lives in Stockholm and could not be on site all the time, they needed a supplier they could trust and who could take responsibility for the construction process. Demolition of the old cottage and preparation of the site they took care of themselves.
”We both work full time and are busy with the children, so for us it was crucial to have a project manager we could trust. Sommarnöjen kept to the schedule, and that we could move in already that same summer felt almost unbelievable,” says Anna.
”You often hear horror stories about builds, but here everything worked exactly as promised.”
Thoughtful from the ground up
The new house is carefully planned for the family's needs. The open layout on the ground floor includes kitchen, living room and dining area, all facing the water. The bedrooms are discreetly located at the back of the house, the children have their own rooms and there is also a loft with extra sleeping spaces.
”We have chosen a fairly finished concept from Sommarnöjen with white wooden panel walls throughout the house. It feels like we have a good base interior that works throughout the house, then it is easier to put our own stamp on it,” Anna says.
The house is technically well equipped with a heat pump, radiators and air conditioning, all connected to wifi so the family can control the temperature remotely before they come down from Stockholm.
Generous outdoor areas
Outside the house the family has created different zones for relaxation and activities. The terrace functions as an outdoor living room with views of the sea, and there are plans to build a pergola for protection against the intense öland sun. The old stone barn, which is one of the two original houses, remains and will be used as a guest cottage, while the new house is also planned to be rented out periodically through their Instagram @cuteharbour.
Dreams for the future
When we end our conversation it becomes clear that Anna and Andreas have succeeded in creating something very special. The new house respects the site's history while offering all modern comforts.
”Every time we come here we feel that we made the right choice. The house respects the site's history but gives us everything we need for a modern family life. This is a home we use year-round and I am sure that grandmother and grandfather would have liked it too”
The family's tips for you who are going to build new
1. Plan for the future
Think through what you will use the house for long-term. Maybe it seems like just a summer cottage, but it may be worth investing more from the start instead of rebuilding later.
2. Choose lighting early
Plan the lighting already from the design stage. It is much easier to get spotlights and other light sources installed during construction than to install them afterwards.
3. Consider the kitchen details
Focus on practical details such as a splashguard behind the countertop and other kitchen solutions from the start. Small details can make a big difference for everyday use.
4. Choose the right project manager
If you do not have the time or expertise to lead the project yourself, find a reliable partner who can coordinate and keep the schedule. Choose someone who is transparent and gives you peace of mind.
5. Choose upgrades that matter
Upgrades can be expensive, but those that give the house your personal touch are often worth the investment. Prioritize what truly improves your quality of life in the house.
House facts
HERE LIVE: Anna and Andreas with two children
WHERE: Norra Öland, nära Köpingsvik
LIVING AREA: 100 sq m
YEAR BUILT: 2023
MODEL: Tidlös Sommar
"The openness and the contact with the sea was exactly what we dreamed of"
The feature was published in the magazine Vårt Nya Hus issue 8, 2025
