Welcome to Abild – Husdrömmar, where Simon and Anders take us on an inspiring journey through time and history. In this charming village in Halland, an old country store is now being transformed into a unique home, characterized by recycling, creative solutions and a love of detail. Join us as dreams meet challenges and see how passion and patience create something extraordinary
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A brave step together
When Simon and Anders met for the first time just 10 months ago, they could hardly have imagined that they would soon be the owners of an old country store in Abild, Halland. Perfectly located between Gothenburg and Skåne, where they both have their roots, this house became a symbol of their future together.
Anders, with his background in the automotive industry, and Simon, a passionate creator and salesman, have different but complementary strengths. Together they have taken on a house with history and soul, and their shared vision has been characterized by reuse, sustainability and a genuine love of detail.
Renovation vision: Reuse and personality
From the start, Simon and Anders have had a clear vision: to create a home that breathes warmth, history and personality.
- Focus on recycling: By using recycled materials, flea market finds and creatively reusing what was already in the house, they have managed to keep costs down without compromising on quality.
- Moodboard with spicy colors: Inspiration comes from Italian and Indian markets, with warm and welcoming tones that create a cozy feeling in every room.
- Architectural choices: Part of the house has been given an open church hall feel with high ceilings and a kitchen island as a focal point. The upstairs bedroom is framed by old windows that create a charming and airy atmosphere.
On the outside, the tin roof has been painted and the facade given a new color. Inside the house, they have peeled away layer after layer to allow the original materials to emerge and breathe.
Challenges and unexpected findings
No renovation project is without its challenges – and Simon and Anders have encountered several along the way.
- The battle over the ceiling: Anders wanted to plaster the ceiling to create a more uniform surface, while Simon advocated leaving the old beams visible. Gert Wingårdh sided with Simon, and the result was a unique and rustic roof solution.
- The log wall that disappeared: A beautiful log wall was discovered during the renovation, but eventually had to make way for the kitchen island as originally planned. However, the timber has been saved for future projects.
- Unexpected finds in the house: From old cash books and coffee grinders to tulip bulbs from the 60s, the house has offered many little surprises.
Despite these challenges, they have both kept their spirits up and faced every obstacle with creativity and patience.
The final result
As the renovation drew to a close in early 2024, it was clear: Simon and Anders had managed to create something truly unique.
- The kitchen as the heart of the home: With a quality kitchen bought second-hand for SEK 20,000 and spray-painted for SEK 18,000, a yellow-painted masterpiece now stands as the focal point of the home.
- The details that make a difference: dining room chairs from an old school for 40 SEK each, patinated window frames that have become a beautiful bookshelf and personal details that tell the history of the house.
- Technology and sustainability: The house has been additionally insulated and is now both energy efficient and comfortable, with geothermal heating as an important part of the whole.
What was once a run-down general store has now been transformed into a warm and welcoming home filled with character and history.
Facts about the house
Size (including basement): 300 sqm
Purchase price: 1.7 million SEK
Budget for renovation: 500,000 SEK
Start date: February 2023
Planned occupancy: January 2024
Closure
Simon and Anders haven’t just renovated a house – they’ve built a home, creating a place where history meets the present. Their creative reuse, careful attention to detail and uncompromising passion for sustainability make this project a source of inspiration for anyone who dreams of turning an old house into a home.
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Watch Husdrömmar on SVT Play
