You know when you’re on a diet and all you can think about is chocolate? Well, that’s how I’m feeling about a holiday at the moment.
Believe me, over this last year I’ve pondered and planned a lot over where, when that magic moment arrives, my family and I should go on our first trip post lockdown.
While my head is desperate for the hustle and bustle of a capital city, after everything we’ve experienced, my soul is craving to escape. And what better place to do that, than at the newly opened Rörbäck Forest Retreat.
Eight years in the planning, the Rörbäck Forest Retreat, nestles itself in the dense Halländska forest on the west coast of Sweden. While its exact location is only revealed upon booking, I am allowed to tell you that it is a 30-minute drive from Varberg, which itself is just an hour’s drive from Gothenburg Airport.
Named after the small stream that flows through the properties, this unique healing hideaway, has been built with a heartfelt love of Nordic nature and architecture, along with interior design brands that have the same dedication to quality and craftsmanship.
Owned and run by Interior Architect, Anna Sandgren and her Forest Manager husband Caspar, the couple soon realised when they bought the site, that the original houses couldn’t be saved.
So, working with esteemed Architect Petra Gipp, they designed and sustainably built two large wooden houses to resemble the previous Manor House and Barn.
Constructed entirely from untreated Swedish wood, all surfaces indoors have been left completely untreated to fully make use of the natural qualities of the material. Also, the foundation stones from the previous buildings were reused for stairs, retaining walls and stepping-stones in the garden.
The Manor House, or ‘Mangårdshuset’, has a large kitchen and conservatory, living room and laundry room, as well as three bedrooms with eight beds and two bathrooms. With beautiful views over the spruce and pine trees and garden beyond, there is also a large greenhouse which is intended as an extra room and sounds like the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine after a day spent exploring the nearby hiking trails, fishing lakes and nature reserves.
The Barn, or ‘Ladan’ meanwhile, functions as a separate house and has a large studio and kitchen space as well as four beds in the loft and views over the meadows.
With every detail carefully considered, the Rörbäck Forest Retreat truly is a stay like no other. A place to unwind and enjoy nature without letting go of any home comforts.
To find out more and make a booking visit the Rörbäck Forest Retreat website. Rates start for the Mangårdshuset, in high season, at SEK 7,000 per night for a 3 nights minimum stay.
Photography courtesy of Anna Sandgren and taken by Andy Liffner.
Like this post? Then take a look around the TypeO Loft, a unique one-room bed and breakfast in Skåne, southern Sweden.
Leave a Reply