Realizing your dream house is a journey filled with both joy and challenges. In the fourth episode of Salem – House Dreams, we follow Katja and Johnny who chose to build their dream house on the plot where they already lived. Their story is not only about building a house, but also about prioritizing quality of life and finding strength in difficult times. Here we get a deeper insight into their journey and how choosing a turnkey house became the key to a simpler and richer life.
Table of contents
The background to the Dream
Katja and Johnny had lived in their house in Salem, 20 miles south of Stockholm, for over eight years. But over time, they realized that the large plot of 2.7 hectares became more of a burden than an asset. Apple trees, lawns and constant renovation projects were taking their toll. At the same time, they faced one of life’s greatest trials – Katja’s diagnosis with a brain tumor. This life-changing event made them re-evaluate what was really important. The result was the decision to divide the plot and build a turnkey house on the other half.
Their goal was to create a home that required less maintenance and allowed more time for what really matters – family, health and life’s little pleasures. The close connection to the place made the decision obvious. They liked it here and wanted to continue living here, but in a simpler and more harmonious way.
A Turnkey House - The Road to Simplicity
Choosing a turnkey house was the solution for Katja and Johnny. They were able to leave the entire construction process to the house supplier, thus avoiding the stress and demands that often come with building a house. At the same time, they were able to put their personal stamp on the house. They chose a different floor plan, more windows to maximize light and skylights to enhance the feeling of space.
The house is characterized by its open-plan living room, where the ceiling height extends all the way up to the ridge. The kitchen and dining area are integrated with the living room, creating an airy and social atmosphere. Upstairs, there is a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a sauna – a natural for Katja with her Finnish roots.
Choosing a turnkey house also meant that Katja and Johnny could focus on their health and family, rather than worrying about technical building details. It allowed them to follow the construction closely but without having to lift a hammer themselves.
Challenges during construction
Although the house was built on a turnkey basis, the road to occupancy was far from smooth. Minor construction errors and communication failures led to frustration. From misplaced drains to leaking roofs and faulty window sills, small details added anxiety to an already stressful situation.
The most serious problem turned out to be the roof, where incorrectly fitted roof tiles led to water leaks. For Katja and Johnny, who had opted for a turnkey house to avoid these problems, these faults were a source of disappointment and worry.
But despite the setbacks, they chose to stand their ground and make sure the problems were fixed. They hired an external surveyor to make sure everything was right – a wise decision that gave them peace of mind.
A Place for Recovery and Quality of Life
For Katja and Johnny, building a house was not just about getting a new home, but about creating a place where they could live fully. The bright and open floor plan became a symbol of the relief and freedom they were looking for. Not having to renovate and maintain gave them the opportunity to resume family activities they had previously loved – like fishing and boating.
Building a new house was a step towards a simpler everyday life, where time and energy could be spent on each other and their daughter Mim. It became a place of recovery, both physically and mentally, where life could take place without the constant interruptions of necessities.
Facts about the house
Living space: 202 m²
Garage: 42 m²
Construction start: February 2015
Estimated occupancy: End of June 2015
Construction cost: SEK 4 million
Closure
Katja and Johnny’s journey shows that the road to the dream home is not always straight. Their story is a reminder that a home is not just about walls and ceilings – it’s about creating a place where life can be lived to the full. By choosing a turnkey house on their own plot, they managed to reconcile their desire for simplicity with the need for security and proximity to the familiar.
