Villa M7

Swedish Sea & Archipelago Architecture

Built across two levels for unobstructed views of the coastline and nearby harbor, and rising from the heather-topped boulders of Sweden’s rocky west coast, this longhouse-inspired seaview villa melds seamlessly into its stark landscape, in spite of its generous contemporary volume.

A boxy viewpoint cut through top to bottom with Nordic light via its coast-facing wall of windows and doors, this generous villa was the home studio of architect couple Ulrike and Detlef Rahe, who designed the space to merge with the surrounding sea scape. They created organic decks across the home’s two levels set into the rocky lot. In the tradition of Scandinavian longhouses, the villa is oriented toward the sea, filled with beech- and birch-wood furnishings and outfitted with geothermal underfloor heating and a warming fireplace. The home’s wood-paneled exterior is tinted a subtle silvery grey hue, a stain color created following a traditional Swedish recipe. Architectural accents in pops of primary colors enliven the interiors, against a classic Scandi backdrop of multi-hued blonde woods and whites.

AROUND

Located outside the village of Malevik on Sweden’s rocky west coast some 20 kilometers from Gothenburg, the architectural perch overlooks the sea and the archipelago as well as the harbor town of Kullavik. Built into its natural environment, a boulder-dominated lot with decks extending outward towards the sea, this longhouse-inspired getaway is a seafaring family’s playground and a great base for outdoor exploring. Nearby Malevik is a tidy coastal village adjacent to a nature reserve to the east, offering opportunities for hiking, forest bathing, and foraging. Sunbathing and swimming are naturals on this wild coast, as are water sports, horseback riding and boating in the archipelago. Gothenburg’s proximity means city life is easily accessible, with its golf courses and cultural destinations, restaurants and nightlife. A great way to experience this magnificent coastline is by bike, along the cycling route known as the Kattegat Path, extending for 390 kilometers between Helsingborg and Gothenburg, passing right by the property, named in 2018 as Europe’s Cycle Route of the Year.

LOCATION

Malevik, Kullavik, Sweden. Nearest airport: Gothenburg (40 kilometers)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Year round. This is not a typical summer house; autumns, winters and Christmases are magical.