Realizing your dream house is a journey filled with both euphoria and challenges. In the second episode of Husdrömmar, we follow Marie and Erik Gamner who took the step from a safe villa in Kungsbacka to a charming turn-of-the-century villa in Borstahusen outside Landskrona. With the sea as their closest neighbor and a large dose of courage, they embarked on an extensive renovation that would prove to be more complex than they could ever have imagined. Their story is an inspiring tale of passion, patience and the importance of daring to go for your dreams.
Table of contents
The dream of the sea and the house
Marie and Erik had long dreamed of living near the sea. The old fishing village of Borstahusen in Skåne had always held a special place in their hearts. For years, they had been eyeing a white turn-of-the-century house from 1885, with its charming architecture and unbeatable location. When the house finally came on the market, they didn’t hesitate. For SEK 5.3 million, the house became theirs, and a new life journey began.
The decision to move also meant a change in family dynamics. Marie and her son Viktor moved to Skåne to be close to the renovation project, while Erik and his daughter Isabell stayed in Kungsbacka. A sacrifice that would prove to be both tough and rewarding.
The renovation journey
The initial plan was for a relatively superficial renovation. But as is often the case with older houses, major problems lurked behind the walls. Behind old wallpaper they found black mold, the electricity was outdated and ungrounded, and opening up the upstairs revealed rotten beams and a dangerously constructed dormer. The simple renovation quickly turned into a complete overhaul.
Marie and Erik prioritized reinforcing the structure of the house, especially the walls facing the sea to protect against moisture and wind. Despite the extensive measures, they chose to preserve the kitchen and bathrooms in their original charm, creating a nice balance between old and new.
Challenges and unexpected surprises
Renovating a 140-year-old house is like opening Pandora’s box – you never know what to expect. Each layer removed revealed new problems. The substandard roof dome needed to be demolished and rebuilt, the tin roof turned out to be poorly constructed, and several beams were so rotten that they threatened the stability of the entire house.
The schedule was tight. The removal from Kungsbacka was scheduled for June 22, but despite intensive work, the house was not completely ready. The moving van had to be parked in the basement and the only finished rooms. The emotional and financial strain was palpable – the budget of SEK 650,000 was greatly exceeded. Despite this, they never lost sight of the goal.
A home with soul and history
What makes Marie and Erik’s house unique is not only the classic turn-of-the-century architecture, but also the history of the place and the personal touch they have given the home. The house’s white facade, front porch and generous windows catch the light from the sea, and the courtyard facing the roof dome offers a sense of calm in the middle of village life.
Living by the sea makes demands on the choice of materials and construction, but it also provides an unbeatable quality of life. For Erik, who grew up near the water, the proximity to the harbor means that the family can quickly head out to sea. Watching the weather change through the windows and feeling the wind against the house gives a unique closeness to nature.
Facts about the house
Year of construction: 1885
Living space: 152 sqm on two floors
Location: Borstahusen, outside Landskrona
Closure
The Gamner family’s journey is a stark reminder that the dream of the perfect home requires courage, patience and determination. Despite unexpected setbacks and a budget that was blown, they stuck to their vision. They chose to invest in a house with soul and history – and made it their dream home.
