L AKESIDE LIVING

Amazing views and a peaceful location tempted a garden designer to buy a home in the Swedish countryside

SARA BIRD

DAN DUCHARS

It was thanks to some very dear friends that Victoria Skoglund – a garden designer and owner of Zetas, a Swedish home and garden emporium – discovered her delightful home. The plot and surrounding landscape were the main draw. ‘The location is captivatingly beautiful,’ explains Victoria. ‘There are not many houses that have a lake at the bottom of the garden, and because of the way the house is positioned, there are views from every room and terrace.’

The other thing that attracted Victoria to the property was its proximity to Stockholm; as she frequently commutes to the city, it was a major deciding factor. ‘This, as well as the peace and quiet of the area and the natural light that flows into the house, ticked so many boxes on my wish list,’ says Victoria. ‘I don’t think I could find a better place to live.’

On the whole, the property was in good condition. However, the one room that did require an overhaul was the kitchen. ‘It needed to be totally renovated. I love to cook and bake, and the space didn’t flow well,’ says Victoria. ‘I also wanted to make it feel cosy, but not too enclosed, as it’s a galley-style room.’ Open shelves as opposed to lots of wall cupboards, and a bank of windows that allows daylight to stream in, ensure the space is bright, sleek and neat.

A worktop wraps around the room and is finished in marble, with a matching cooker splashback to give a neat finish. A pale floor complements the black-painted units, while Victoria’s collection of kitchenalia, beautiful lights and plants brings the room to life. ‘I particularly like the brass details of the