A Gray Scandinavian Apartment with a Royal History
This typical Scandinavian apartment is located on the third floor of a late 19th-century apartment building with a fascinating history (more on that later). Despite the classic look, this apartment was newly built in 2021 when an old rental apartment was sold, and this apartment was built in a classic turn-of-the-century style.
Historical elements like large windows, stucco, and high ceilings are paired with contemporary comforts and design in the new kitchen and bathroom. The one-bedroom apartment is designed in a classic Swedish style with wooden floors, gray walls, and Scandinavian design furniture.
The building was constructed in the late 19th century and features architectural elements from the 1880s and 1890s. In the 1880s, the Neo-Renaissance movement was popular, and the symmetrical windows and detailed decorations are from this period.
In the 1890s, it became popular to build with authentic materials, so the bricks used for this building were imported from Denmark, paired with rough-hewn natural stone for the base, as well as round corner towers.
The living room is the heart of the home, flanked by the kitchen on one side and the bedroom on the other.
The room features beautiful period elements like 3.5 meter high ceilings, large windows, stucco, a ceiling rose, high skirting boards, and beautiful linings around doors and windows
The room is decorated in a typical Scandinavian style with light gray walls, wooden floorboards, and classic Scandinavian design furniture.
The kitchen is a bright and inviting space thanks to the large windows and a central kitchen island with bar stools that creates a social atmosphere.
The white kitchen doors from Ballingslöv are paired with matte black knobs, a stone composite countertop, and simple white backsplash tiles.
A wicker bench has been placed in front of the window, creating a nice spot for a cup of coffee.
The bedroom lies on the other side of the living room. It has a slightly awkward layout but the room is spacious enough for a double bed, a desk, and a seating area.
Like all rooms, the bedroom also features wonderfully large windows, creating a bright atmosphere.
The walls and wardrobes are painted in a sober gray-green shade, which makes the stucco stand out beautifully.
The building’s royal history
This building in Gothenburg is surrounded by myths, mainly because King Oscar II is rumored to have used an apartment there for secret love affairs. Built between 1895 and 1899, the house officially belonged to builder Nils Vilén, though many believe the king secretly purchased and designed it.
King Oscar II often spent summers on the west coast, attracting high society and numerous admirers, but is said to have stayed in Gothenburg during autumn and winter, keeping mistresses in the house.
Rumors also claim one apartment was used as a pleasure establishment. In protest, a builder across the street supposedly placed a carved devil’s face on his façade, aimed at the king. While the stories remain unconfirmed, the king’s seal still decorates the entrance of Linnégatan 9, lending weight to the legend.
The hall is fitted with built-in storage painted in a terracotta-orange shade.
The apartment is listed for sale at Entrance Mäkleri.