Historic Character in a Unique 18th-Century Swedish Country House

Located in the Swedish countryside with views across the valley towards Grödinge Church, Svalsta Rectory is a historic country property with a warm and welcoming character.

The current manor house was built in 1787 and retains much of its original atmosphere, from its generous ceiling heights and tall windows to its old joinery, wooden floorboards, and tiled fireplaces.

The property has been carefully renovated and developed over the years. Its historic details have been preserved, while additions were made to provide for practical comforts required for modern-day living.

An open veranda extends across the entrance, creating a sheltered place for outdoor meals or a glass of wine in the evening sun.

Grand double doors open into a welcoming hallway, featuring green-painted paneling, wooden floors, and green wallpaper.

The ground floor guest toilet is decorated with the “Blåklint” wallpaper by Lim & Handtryck.

The large farmhouse kitchen brings together period style and modern functionality. Site-built cabinetry with framed doors and drawers provides generous storage, supplemented by a separate pantry.

The central island is topped with reclaimed timber taken from an old wooden floor, while the remaining worktops are limestone and are a recent addition to the space.

The cooking area has been incorporated into the original brickwork and includes a wood-burning stove, an electric oven, a hob, and a sink.

The entire room was renovated in 2019. Wedge-sawn pine floorboards and walls painted in pale egg-oil tempera complete the country-style look.

The dining room is an intimate space for everyday meals and smaller dinner parties. An old plank floor is paired with chest paneling and “Golden Trellis” wallpaper from Boråstapeter.

Svalsta Rectory was built as a classic hall house, with three principal rooms arranged in a row. At its center is the impressive main hall (now the living room), measuring more than 40 square meters.

Two tall, gently arched windows facing southeast fill the room with natural light, while its generous proportions allow space for several seating and dining areas.

The herringbone parquet dates from around the turn of the 20th century, and the walls are finished in “Nightingale Garden” wallpaper.

One of the five bedrooms is positioned on the ground floor, with windows facing both northwest and northeast.

This bright and peaceful room also has its own tiled stove. Grey-green chest paneling, “Nocturne” wallpaper from Boråstapeter, and parquet laid in a Dutch pattern create a composed, period-sensitive interior.

An additional, more intimate living room has windows in two directions and stays bright throughout the summer months.

During autumn and winter, the tiled stove becomes the focal point, adding both warmth and atmosphere. A brownish-red painted floor and classic medallion wallpaper reinforce the room’s traditional character.

A staircase rises from the entrance hall to a spacious upper landing that can be furnished as an additional sitting room, study or reading area.

A large window overlooking the courtyard brings in plenty of light and frames views of the surrounding countryside. Wide wooden floorboards and grey-painted tongue-and-groove paneling continue the house’s restrained traditional palette.

The space is now used as a home office with a simple wooden desk fitted under the windows.

Four further bedrooms are arranged across the upper floor. Each has wooden floors and its own combination of wallpaper and color, while built-in wardrobes and storage beneath the eaves make practical use of the available space.

The master bedroom is decorated with dark blue wallpaper and features a small niche that is used as a nursery.

The family bathroom has been renovated in a style that complements the age of the house. Designed as a comfortable home space, it includes a separate shower and a freestanding clawfoot bath.

Two sinks are set into a wide vanity from Qvesarum, while tiles and linseed oil-painted tongue-and-groove paneling cover the walls. Black-and-white period-inspired floor tiles are fitted with underfloor heating.

This floor also has a separate toilet with classic fittings. Dark blue wallpaper is combined with gold-painted paneling.

Svalsta Rectory forms part of a complete traditional farm environment. A tithe barn, milk shed and stables frame the courtyard, while sections of the land have been fenced to create horse paddocks.

The mature garden has developed over many years and is planted with lilac, mock orange and honeysuckle. Old apple trees flower generously in spring before producing an abundant crop towards the end of summer.

photography by Jahnson for Historiska Hem.