Making the leap from apartment renovations to turning an older house into a dream home is a journey filled with challenges, lessons and creativity. In the episode, Copenhagen – House Dreams, we follow Anna and Lars, a couple who have previously renovated apartments, as they embark on their first major house project. Their choice to buy a charming 1887 house on Strandvejen north of Copenhagen is as daring as it is inspiring.
Table of contents
From apartments to the dream house on Strandvejen
Anna and Lars have long been adept at refining apartments, renovating them tastefully and selling them at a profit. Their passion for design and attention to detail has led them to this unique opportunity – a house in one of the most exclusive addresses in the Nordic region. The house, with its characteristic charm and stunning sea views, offered both opportunities and challenges.
With the forest as a protective backdrop and the sea as a neighbor, the couple saw a chance to create a home that reflects their lifestyle and needs. Taking the plunge into home renovation, however, meant a new world of building regulations and practical difficulties that they had not previously had to deal with.
Visions
From the start, Anna and Lars had clear visions for the house. They wanted to:
- Expose the old rafters by taking out the original ceiling.
- Move the staircase to a more central location and build a new one.
- Place the kitchen more centrally in the house to create a social and inviting space.
- Build out the back to create a spacious master bedroom with direct access to the courtyard.
- Create a bathroom adjacent to the office for better functionality.
- Set up the upstairs as a large lounge area.
The architect was hired early on to realize these ideas and the building permit was submitted. The vision was clear: create a harmonious and functional home while retaining the historic soul of the house.
Challenges along the way - building permits and unexpected obstacles
But the road to their dream house quickly became bumpy. The building permit they hoped to get was delayed, and when they contacted the municipality after three months, it turned out that the application had been rejected outright – without them being informed. An important lesson for Anna and Lars was to take responsibility for communicating with the authorities themselves, even when an architect is involved.
Beyond the building permit, the house began to show its weaknesses. When the fall rains came, several water leaks were revealed, affecting both the schedule and finances. It quickly became clear that house renovation is different from apartment projects, not least in complexity and unexpected problems.
Creative solutions and do-it-yourself spirit
With a limited budget of DKK 500,000 for the renovation, creative solutions were needed. The couple took matters into their own hands and did much of the work themselves:
- Moving the kitchen: They chose to cast their own concrete worktop and rebuild a kitchen island to create a robust and modern kitchen that suited the character of the house.
- The staircase: Instead of buying an expensive Japanese steel staircase for 80,000 DKK, Lars decided to weld his own version, with the help of Anna’s father and materials from the family land.
- Finishes and details: Anna took on painting and finishing to keep costs down.
Despite the setbacks, they stuck to their plans and adjusted as necessary. For example, they decided to put the bedroom upstairs instead of in the original location.
The result
The end result was a great balance between old and new. The old beams were exposed, giving the house character. The kitchen became a social hub, and the extension created the extra space they needed. The staircase, which Lars built, was not only a cost saving but also a personal touch that reflected their commitment and craftsmanship.
However, some compromises remained, such as the risky staircase construction pointed out by Gert Wingårdh. But the house as a whole became a place that reflected Anna and Lars’ lifestyle and passion for design and functionality.
Facts about the house
Location: Strandvejen, north of Copenhagen, Denmark
Year built: 1887
Size: 149 sqm, 5 rooms and kitchen
Purchase price: DKK 5,750,000
Budget for renovation: DKK 500,000
Closure
Anna and Lars’ project on Strandvejen is an inspiring story of courage, creativity and passion for design. Their journey shows that the dream of a personal and functional home can be realized with patience, smart solutions and a strong drive.
