There’s something magical about bringing an old abandoned house back to life. In the second episode, Vinslöv – Husdrömmar, we follow Amy and Love as they take on Björkhaga, an abandoned turn-of-the-century house in Vinslöv. Their journey is filled with history, challenges and compromises – but above all, the dream of creating a warm and welcoming family home.
It is a project that not only breathes passion but also shows what is possible with determination, a clear plan and a love for the soul of the house.
Table of contents
from haunted house to family home
For Amy, Björkhaga has long been the village’s ‘haunted house’, a place that frightened her as a child but fascinated her as an adult. When she and Love moved back to Vinslöv after a few years in Stockholm, the house became their joint project. With their children Billy and Sigge in mind, they decided to transform the worn-out house frame into a functional and beautiful family home.
Love dreamed of a big house where everyone could feel welcome – a home filled with life, good food and open doors. Amy, who had an eye for detail, wanted to create a sense of calm and harmony through carefully selected furnishings.
The renovation plan
Amy and Love bought Björkhaga for only SEK 600,000, a sum that reflected the condition of the house at the time. The renovation included almost everything: a new water system, new windows, kitchen, bathroom and interior. The budget was SEK 2.5 million, and the schedule was set for 1 year – from September 2018 to September 2019.
Floor plan:
- Ground floor: The kitchen, dining area and living room in an open angle as well as a toilet, laundry room and a library/mancave.
- Upstairs: Three bedrooms, a living room and a bathroom.
With a structured plan and hard work, they managed to stay on budget and on time, which is unusual in such large projects.
History of the house and brick details
Björkhaga was built in 1908 by a cooper and has a rich history as both a home and a meeting place. The house is a typical Scanian brick house, where the yellow and red bricks create beautiful contrasts.
The brick has an intriguing history – the yellow probably comes from Adseke brickworks while the red was shipped from Önnestad. Brick architecture in Skåne is particularly unique due to the region’s lack of forest, and building in brick became an important part of house culture.
Gert Wingårdh takes viewers on a trip to a Danish brick factory and explains how different types of clay affect the color and quality of the brick. This detail provides a deeper understanding of the importance of the material to the look and character of Björkhaga.
Verandah
One of the most debated parts of the house was the porch. When Gert points out how much the house would benefit from renovating the dilapidated porch, Amy is hesitant because of time and budget. Love, on the other hand, can’t resist taking on the project.
With a quick refresh, the porch is transformed from a forgotten detail to a welcoming entrance that reflects the new life of the house. This small but significant change became a symbol of the success of the whole project.
Facts about the house
Purchase price: SEK 600,000
Budget: SEK 2.5 million
Living space: 250 sqm
Timetable: September 2018 – September 2019
Style: Semi-detached house with modern interior
Closure
Amy and Love’s journey with Björkhaga is a reminder that even the most abandoned houses can become dream homes with the right vision and determination. Their project inspires anyone who dreams of transforming something old into something new and unique.
Get inspired – whether you’re planning a renovation or just dreaming of the home of the future. Björkhaga is a perfect example of what’s possible.
