Scandinavian Summer Homes Boasting Additional Outdoor Amenities
In the heart of Scandinavia, summer homes are more than just a place to rest. They are thoughtfully designed retreats that blend seamlessly with nature, offering a unique blend of indoor and outdoor living.
These idyllic hideaways, such as the dreamy Osterlen farmhouse Hagestad Nygaard in Sweden, are designed to make the most of the great outdoors, especially after the long, dark winter. The Scandinavian summer homes cater to outdoor living, with a focus on integration with nature and water.
Many cottages are located right by lakes or water bodies, enabling direct access for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Large windows and outdoor spaces emphasize connection to tranquil lakeside views and natural light.
Outdoor kitchens and dining areas are common, designed to invite seamless indoor-outdoor living. These often include modern appliances and open layouts that connect to patios or decks, facilitating meals under the open sky and enhancing social gatherings.
Bathrooms may feature large windows or be positioned nearby outdoor showers, enabling a refreshing experience with close proximity to nature. This reflects the Scandinavian love for welfare and simplicity.
Saunas are a hallmark of Scandinavian culture and many summer cottages include them either integrated into the main structure or as separate small buildings close to nature. These spaces focus on relaxation and wellness while embracing a minimalist, functional design.
Besides natural lakes, some properties include pools or pool houses, which serve as social and leisure hubs complementing the outdoor lifestyle. These are often surrounded by patios or lounging spaces made from natural materials like bluestone that blend into the environment.
Interiors and exteriors utilize warm woods, stone, and earthy colors to create inviting, tactile living areas that transition naturally to the outdoors. Textiles and finishes emphasize comfort and simplicity, resonating with Nordic minimalism but adaptable to local settings.
Patios, fire pits, and covered or open dining spaces wrap around the cottage, supporting various outdoor living activities like lounging, cooking, and dining while enjoying panoramic views and changing seasons.
Some Scandinavian summer homes have outdoor pools, while others have simple bathtubs. The lake, fjord, or sea is commonly used for morning, afternoon, and evening dips. A pared-down Finnish cabin offers a cosy sauna, while a Swedish country home includes a floating sauna and tiny cottage.
A Danish hideaway is close to nature, inside and out, with a simple outdoor bathroom. A White Swedish Apartment features a lovely outdoor lounge, and an idyllic Swedish cottage includes an outdoor kitchen and bathroom.
The design of Scandinavian summer homes caters to outdoor living, offering a refreshing experience with the lake, fjord, or sea nearby. Alfresco living room areas, kitchens, and bathrooms are popular, transforming rundown houses into dreamy summer homes with an outdoor bath.
Whether it's a Scandinavian summer home by the sea, lake, or fjord, these retreats invite their inhabitants to embrace the great outdoors and fully experience the beauty of Scandinavia's natural landscapes.
These Scandinavian summer homes, such as the White Swedish Apartment, are designed to blend outdoor-living with home-and-garden, inviting seamless indoor-outdoor living through features like outdoor kitchens and dining areas. The design caters to lifestyle choices that emphasize connection with nature, as seen in baths positioned near outdoor showers and saunas integrated into the main structure or as separate small buildings.
