House Dreams 2016 is here and with it comes inspiring stories of brave visionaries who have dared to pursue their housing dreams. In the first episode of the season, we were reunited with several families whose house journeys have touched us deeply in the past. How have their lives and homes evolved since the cameras went off? Let’s take a closer look at their continuing journeys.
Table of contents
Jesper and Eva - Balancing Nature and City
Jesper and Eva dreamed of the best of both worlds – living close to nature but with the hustle and bustle of the big city around the corner. Through their house project, they have created a place of recovery, both for themselves and their children. The move from terraced houses and summer cottages to their new home was not only a physical shift but also a mental journey where they learned to let go of material things.
An important part of their lifestyle change was the small house on the plot, ‘Trettiokvadraten’, which serves as Jesper’s workplace. It has given him the opportunity to work from home without affecting the peaceful atmosphere of the house. Today, their home is a place where the whole family can land and find peace, with nature as a constant presence.
Facts about the House
Location: Skurubron, Stockholm
Vision: A harmonious home close to nature, with a focus on simplicity and balance
Features: A separate workspace in the form of the “Thirty Square”
Jimmy and Linda - The American Dream in Billeberga
Jimmy and Linda set their sights on realizing their American dream house in Billeberga. Ordering a prefabricated house frame from a supplier, they wanted to move quickly from their cramped apartment. But the dream quickly turned into a battle against bad luck and construction problems. Moisture and mold damage, as well as misaligned walls due to improper construction methods, dragged out the building process.
Despite all the setbacks, the family chose to focus on getting the ground floor ready for Christmas. Jimmy built the inside himself, but the road was lined with challenges that led to burnout. Today, the house is finally taking shape and the family has been able to enjoy their home, although details are still being fine-tuned.
Facts about the House
Location: Billeberga, Skåne
Vision: An American-inspired family home
Challenges: Moisture problems, slanted walls and personal health challenges
Anna and Sebastian - Houseboat life in the West Harbor
Anna and Sebastian chose an alternative lifestyle by building their own houseboat in Västra Hamnen, Malmö. The idea was born out of their shared desire for a life by the water. The construction took much longer than planned – from two months to a year and a half – but the result was a unique and personalized home that floats.
Sebastian put a huge amount of work into building the house himself, including a facade with burnt wood panels that gives the house a special character. Despite the long process, the family has now created a place where they really feel at home.
Facts about the House
Location: Västra Hamnen, Malmö
Vision: A personal home on the water
Design: Burnt wood facade and unique window solutions
Bill and Marie - Rebooting after the trials of life
Bill and Marie in Höganäs have a history of renovations, but their fifth house project was their biggest test. During the renovation of the captain’s villa, life’s challenges led to separation and illness. Their dream house was about to be sold, but a shared reflection on life prompted them to withdraw the sale and embark on a new beginning together.
Today, they have found each other again and created a home that reflects their shared vision. Their home has become a place of tranquillity and creativity, rather than a project in need of completion.
Facts about the House
Location: Höganäs, Skåne
Vision: A harmonious family home in a historic villa
Challenges: Separation and illness in the middle of renovation
Closure
The stories of Jesper and Eva, Jimmy and Linda, Anna and Sebastian, and Bill and Marie show that the road to the dream home is not always straight. Their experiences provide important insights into perseverance, courage and the importance of adapting to life’s unexpected twists and turns.
