Heatherhill Beach House

The Architecture of Wind and Water

Designed by Copenhagen’s Norm Architects, founded by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen and Kasper Rønn in 2008, this home reimagines the traditional Danish summerhouse as a minimalist retreat rooted in the tactility of its seaside landscape. Its two elongated wings and central courtyard create a protective core that stands in dialogue with the sweeping views of the Kattegat sea just beyond its windows. Dezeen and Wallpaper* both featured the house in 2024.

The architects started with a traditional Danish barn, and pulled it apart into two volumes joined by an open courtyard. A height restriction from the plot behind set the key move: the living room drops a few steps below grade, which buys ceiling height and frames the kitchen and the sea in a single line.

Inside, lye-treated Douglas fir planks by Dinesen flow across floors, walls and ceilings, grounded by handmade brick flooring, raw dolomite plaster from St. Leo, and a monolithic silver travertine island in the kitchen. Custom oak cabinetry and selected fixtures complete a space defined by its tactile surfaces.

A living sedum roof and cedar cladding let the architecture merge with the wind-shaped hills, both chosen to weather and silver over time. The central atrium works as a sheltered garden, a contemplative contrast to the open coastline steps from the door. The sunken living room opens onto a terrace, and the bathing suite runs out to an outdoor shower.

Layout

This vacation home for rent in Vejby sleeps up to eight guests in four bedrooms. In the main house, the first bedroom has a double bed, the second a double plus a single upper bunk, and the third a single alcove. The three share a bathroom with a bathtub, shower and toilet. A separate 30-square-meter annex holds the fourth bedroom, a double with a two-person bunk, and its own shower and toilet. Living and kitchen sit around the sunken lounge.

• Bedroom 1: Double (main house)

• Bedroom 2: Double + single upper bunk (main house)

• Bedroom 3: Single, alcove (main house)

• Bedroom 4: Double + bunk (x2) (annex)

• 2 shared bathrooms: main house (bathtub, shower, toilet); annex (shower, toilet)

Good to know

A cleaning service is not included, and additional bed linens are not provided as standard. However, they can be provided for an additional fee, if needed.

Amenities & services

Wifi, EV charger (arrange with host), barbecue (gas/charcoal), outdoor shower, outdoor games, SUP boards, wood-burning stove, bathtub, board games, high chair, washing machine, dryer, oven, dishwasher, freezer, coffee machine, electric kettle, TV with streaming service, wireless music player, bed linens on request (additional fee), cleaning on request (additional fee)

Around

The home is anchored in the tranquil coastal landscape of North Zealand, where the Kattegat shoreline meets protected woodlands. The village of Vejby is a short stroll away, offering access to the "Clover" walking trails that meander through fields and along Rågeleje Strand. For a deeper immersion in nature, the ancient forests of Gribskov are nearby. After a day of exploring, book Rabarbergaarden for a farm-to-table meal or enjoy the casual atmosphere at Tisvilde Bistro. Though secluded, the area is easily reached from Copenhagen. A car is recommended.