A Look Inside a Cosy Off-Grid Cabin Escape in Tasmania

Do any of you work on Teams? I had a call this morning with clients scattered across the globe – some of us basking in European summer, faces glowing, matcha lemonades in hand. Then there was one fabulous client beaming in from the southern hemisphere: woolly beanie, wrapped in a blanket, cat on lap, visibly shivering. I recoiled in confusion – until I remembered it’s the middle of winter down there. The mind boggles.

So, this post is dedicated to you cosy southerners – those of you lighting fires, leaning into the layered life, and hopefully escaping Teams meetings for at least a little while (even if your clients are cool as cucumbers).

And if you’re lucky enough to be in Tasmania right now? Let me point you in the direction of Camp Nowhere.

Tucked away on Yingina / Great Lake in Tasmania’s Central Highlands, this once-humble fisherman’s shack is now a beautifully rustic, open-plan retreat. From every corner, including the bathtub, you’ve got views of forest and distant water. Nature’s always in reach here. Even the snug bed nook has a view of the roaring fire and the ever-changing world beyond the windows.

It’s also full of relaxed, thoughtful details: a cute little fish sketched on the wall, a nod to its laidback lakeside roots, and a gentle reflection of Tasmania’s effortlessly chilled-out vibe.

So if you’re craving stillness, a crackling fire, and a place where you’re never far from the trees (or the view) – this might just be your kind of nowhere (it certainly is mine!). 

How lovely is this place? So calm, so inviting.

I’ve got such a soft spot for bed nooks like this – we have one in our little cabin too, and I sleep like a log in it. There’s just something about being tucked away, fire flickering in view.

Did anything catch your eye? 

Can you imagine spending a few slow days here? No noise, no rush, just a good book and a better view. If so, you can read more about it and book your stay here. 

Tasmania’s been living rent-free in my imagination for years – I’ve never been, but I think about it often. If you’re dreaming too, there are loads more cabins and cottages from the island to explore here.

Speaking of islands – I’ll be back on Wednesday sharing photos from a recent visit to my favourite Swedish island. It’s part of a lovely challenge from Skandinavisk and their ØY collection. Join me if you’re curious to see which island I picked… and fancy a little tour. I have a discount code for you too! 

Happy Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Anna Critchley

READ MORE...

11

Slow Living by the Sea: A Tiny Cabin Getaway on Gotland

Today is a "red day" in Sweden – a public holiday – and like many others, I’m spending it at our summer cottage. With less than two weeks until the school holidays, thoughts are already drifting toward summer.

Sweden has no shortage of classic holiday spots, but few are as iconic as Gotland.

This beautiful island in the Baltic Sea truly comes alive in summer – with cosy cafés, artist studios, farm shops, beaches, and a laid-back, joyful vibe. It’s one of my all-time favourite places in Scandinavia.

This morning, I stumbled across a tiny beach cabin in Väskinde, and it instantly had me dreaming of slow, simple days by the sea.

The cabin has everything you need – a kitchenette, dining table, sofa bed, and a separate little bathroom cabin just steps away. There’s a peaceful outdoor nook between the trees, perfect for morning coffee in the sun. And at night, you can drift off to the sound of the waves. 

A small pier sits just beside it – perfect for a refreshing dip and the large sea-facing windows are shielded with a wooden screen, letting in the light while keeping things private.

Oh, and best of all? It’s on Airbnb – dangerously easy to book, and very hard to resist. A perfect little escape to get us in the weekend mood! 

So lovely!

Can you imagine relaxing here, drifting off to the sound of the waves?

If you're visiting Gotland, I highly recommend renting a car — it's the best way to explore the island at your own pace. I put together a guide a while back that you might find helpful — you can check it out here.

Want to see a few more Gotland homes today? Here are some beautiful tours to inspire you:

A rustic summer cottage with a pool
Elsa's charming summer cottage
A beautiful limestone barn on Gotland

Well friends, that’s it from me this week. As always, thank you so much for stopping by — and for sharing your thoughts and observations. I’ve loved reading them, and I’ll be settling down with a coffee at some point this weekend to respond.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Niki

Photography courtesy of Airbnb, with thanks. 

READ MORE...

9

A Dreamy Design-Conscious Cottage Stay in the Scottish Countryside

According to Living Etc, it’s one of the “Top 10 design-conscious, multi-sensory rural escapes.” Sounds like my kind of stay, and the perfect home tour to set the mood for the weekend. What do you think?

Welcome to Drinkbetween West cottage, one of five rental properties on Banchory Farm, a third-generation working farm just outside Edinburgh in Scotland. The weather in the picture above looks much like it does in Sweden, moody skies and all, but this charming retreat offers a beautiful interior and a wood-burning bath to help you forget the looming clouds. Because really, isn’t there very little that a gorgeous space, a good book and a cosy fire can’t fix?

Once a derelict cottage, the family employed the help of interior designer Ali Heath (whose lovely interior books I have on my shelf) to transform the interior into a calming mix of earthy tones and warm tan shades, making it both restful and inviting. I especially love the wainscoting in the bedroom and bathroom, which adds such timeless character – and of course, the views over the fields. 

Shall we take the tour and dream of a weekend in the Scottish countryside?

I went to the University of Edinburgh many moons ago, and can vouch for the stunning countryside just outside the city (even if my trips as a student were rather fleeting—we were a bit too busy enjoying ourselves in town!). How I’d love to return and stay on Banchory Farm.

Can you picture yourself this weekend, soaking in that outdoor wood-burning bath, drink in one hand, book in the other?

Is there anything you spotted in particular about this cottage? I'd love to hear your thoughts and observations. 

You can read more about Banchory Farm here.

That's all from me this week. I hope you've enjoyed the tours. I'm locking up my studio shortly and heading home to stay warm under a blanket (it suddenly feels like winter here—BRRRRR!).

I hope you have a lovely, relaxing weekend too. See you Monday! 

Niki

Photography: Brent Darby
Interior design: Ali Heath

READ MORE...

9

VIPP Salaca River Cabin Where Scandinavian Style Meets Latvian Nature

Sometimes I feel like this blog is basically a peek into my inner daydreams, especially when it comes to the home tours I share. 

It’s Monday, the sun is shining, and I’m at my desk… but honestly, I’d rather be surrounded by trees, listening to birdsong and the gentle ripple of water. Can you relate?

Maybe that’s why I’ve been posting so many getaway homes lately (sorry!). Here’s one more for the mood — and then I promise I’ll share some fab city places later this week!

This cabin is a little bit special: a former listed fisherman’s house from 1876, once used as a roadhouse between Riga and Wolmar, it has now been gently relocated to one of Latvia’s most spectacular nature parks. Tucked away by the Saka River, it’s been reimagined by Danish brand VIPP into a modern hideaway that’s an absolute dream.

The dark wood exterior is beautifully balanced by its peaceful surroundings. Step inside, and it gets even better — the interior combines rustic wood with soft, pale furnishings, creating a space that feels both grounded and calm. Large windows frame generous glimpses of nature, letting in soft light and views of the river and forest beyond. It’s the kind of place where your shoulders drop the moment you walk in.

And after a day of kayaking (or, let’s be honest, doing nothing at all!), you can pour a glass of wine and sink into the sofa — or step outside for a soak in the hot tub overlooking the river. Heaven!

Incredible — I just love how the interior interacts so seamlessly with the outdoors. You feel completely immersed in nature the whole time.

Oh, how I’d love to stay here for a week or two! I even spotted a little desk where I could sit and dabble in a bit of work — the dream work-from-home setup, don’t you think?

Could you imagine staying here? Have you ever been to Latvia? If so, I’d love to hear more about your visit in the comments below. Did anything else in this home catch your eye?

You can read more about the VIPP Salaca River cabin and book a stay. And if you're in the mood for another Latvian home tour, check out Jurada Cabin - when a dream cabin became a reality. 

Have a great start to your week!

Niki x

Photography courtesy of VIPP, with thanks.

READ MORE...

17