Stugan (The cottage)

Google says that more than 50% of Sweden have access to a summer house through family or friends.  When you fly into Arlanda (Stockholm's airport), you are surprised that there is enough land for people to live on as there are lakes everywhere separated by mere ribbons of land.  In a country which still values outdoor life and activities, it has been and remains an ingrained Swedish tradition.  So, it is no surprise that Richard and Jennie have gone native in this facet also, and bought a stugan on an island.  The positively wonderful part of it is that, unlike Southern Ontario which spends hours and hours on highway 400 going north on Friday nights and back south on Sunday night, their cottage is just south of Sandviken, which is 21 km from their house.  The total trip to the marina takes 25 minutes and then it is a short boat ride to the cottage.

You are greeted by a large permanent deck (sunk 11 m into the bedrock and thus does not need to be lifted in winter) and the main cottage with its decks right above the edge of the water.  There are two bunkies and a tool/equipment shed with an outhouse behind it.  Various levels on the property are joined by paths and/or stairs and there is enough flat space for TvE to play her version of football -- with a racquet.

The main building has two decks separated by a sunroom with a large table and wicker chairs.  The sink for the kitchen is in the sunroom which, thanks to a heater will be usable for 3 seasons.  The inside part of the cottage has the pantry, frig and stove area, a living space with sofas and a TV and the main bedroom with an adjoining full bathroom.  It came fully furnished and well maintained so it will need only a bit of minor work before winter.

It is a delightful spot.  Congratulations Jennie and Richard! Hurray for Swedish tradition!