Today, I'd like you to join me on a visit to a summer house that for me is the quintessential Norwegian summer nostalgia.
(Photos are full size in this post, so there are no links to larger versions)
The Swiss-style villa in Esviken was built in 1872. The property is situated in the woods of Asker near Oslo and is part summer house, part art gallery/ cultural meeting point for everyone who needs some breathing space. The municipality of Asker owns the place, but architect Kristin Ellefsen rents it and tries to rescue it from deterioration - the house is protected but has been sadly neglected over the years.
Ellefsen actually resigned from her job to create Stillscape, a non-profit organization that deals with concerts, art exhibits, creative literature, dramatic art and architecture; most of this takes place at Esviken.
Both Stillscape and Esviken has an organic profile. Ellefsen lives at Esviken part of the year - even if the house doesn't have modern water supplies.
The kitchen is in a separate building, and serves as a café in summer. The text on the blackboard says:
"Pay for food with a kind heart and within your means. Payment to be put in the box on the counter. Thank you!"
The interior decoration is a mix of previous owners' items and furnishing done by Ellefsen, in collaboration with interior stylist Ingvild Flesland and her husband Olaf Rademacher.
Same room, same view, but another season:
Even Norway's first king in modern times, Haakon VII, visited Esviken with his family about 100 years ago! It's fascinating to think about the people who used to walk on these floors...
... and in the garden!
I hope you'll get to walk in a garden during the weekend, too. (I'll be busy making my own garden the next days)
Photo credits:
1, 4, 7, 8, 12: Nina dreyer Hensley & Jim Hensley/ InteriørMagasinet no.4 2009
The rest of the photos are from the websites of Esviken and Stillscape.
Links open in a new tab/window. If links don't seem to work, check your already open tabs or windows.
(Photos are full size in this post, so there are no links to larger versions)
The Swiss-style villa in Esviken was built in 1872. The property is situated in the woods of Asker near Oslo and is part summer house, part art gallery/ cultural meeting point for everyone who needs some breathing space. The municipality of Asker owns the place, but architect Kristin Ellefsen rents it and tries to rescue it from deterioration - the house is protected but has been sadly neglected over the years.
Ellefsen actually resigned from her job to create Stillscape, a non-profit organization that deals with concerts, art exhibits, creative literature, dramatic art and architecture; most of this takes place at Esviken.
Both Stillscape and Esviken has an organic profile. Ellefsen lives at Esviken part of the year - even if the house doesn't have modern water supplies.
The kitchen is in a separate building, and serves as a café in summer. The text on the blackboard says:
"Pay for food with a kind heart and within your means. Payment to be put in the box on the counter. Thank you!"
The interior decoration is a mix of previous owners' items and furnishing done by Ellefsen, in collaboration with interior stylist Ingvild Flesland and her husband Olaf Rademacher.
Same room, same view, but another season:
Even Norway's first king in modern times, Haakon VII, visited Esviken with his family about 100 years ago! It's fascinating to think about the people who used to walk on these floors...
... and in the garden!
I hope you'll get to walk in a garden during the weekend, too. (I'll be busy making my own garden the next days)
Photo credits:
1, 4, 7, 8, 12: Nina dreyer Hensley & Jim Hensley/ InteriørMagasinet no.4 2009
The rest of the photos are from the websites of Esviken and Stillscape.
Links open in a new tab/window. If links don't seem to work, check your already open tabs or windows.
12 comments. Add yours here - it makes my day!:
This home is so beautiful! I love the writing on the chalkboard!
Such a comfortable and inviting home! I love that dining room table in picture five. The lathed legs are so dainty.
I have been reading your blog for quite some time--the images hold much visual inspiration. I chose to comment today because this post spoke to me differently.... Today I felt a sense of unconditional caring and honesty. Thank you.
It looks SOOOO nice and inviting! CHEERS! Michele
Soo lovely, and the photography is just delicious.
Thanks for giving me a great inspiration boost.
oh my goodness! totally dreamy and so beautiful.
What a cozy home! Love the photography!
So beautiful and so full of harmony!
My favourite pic is the one with the pink rose on the stair - I can really feel the calmness...
I just discovered your blog and you are really doing a great job with it. I will absolutely visit you again :).
Have a great weekend!
Nice to see a Norwegian summer house and your INSPIRING blog! Thanx!
What a gorgeous little corner of the world! I would love to visit Norway sometime...thanks for giving me a sneak peak of the country.
Gorgeous, there's something so captivating to it all. Especially the garden and the pretty green peaks you get through the windows...
rat2454: Thank you so much!
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