Pondering one’s motive for travel conjures up a compendium of thoughts. A little retrospective journey in itself. Why do we move? To holiday and relax, yes. To feast and sleep, read and replenish what’s waning. To let go, live and let live. But what happens when we embark on an adventure, to a place that harbours all the necessary requirements on the travel list, and dishes up some wonderful surprises too? When we discover a destination that surreptitiously escorts you on a whimsical voyage to places you didn’t realise existed within your own curiosity.
That’s what The Gatehouse, in the south east region of Sweden, does discreetly. A Nordic country retreat, surrounded by 45 hectares of rural Swedish wilderness, where you and your travelling companions are at liberty to unpack that intrepid travelling attire. Buoyantly exhibiting your holiday selves, from the soles of your feet to the tips of your crown.
A series of buildings scatter themselves around the castle. From an art gallery to a greenhouse, a kitchen and dining hall, to an artisanal design space and a hay barn. All in their own way, contributing to the inspirational narrative that’s being told.
Burgeoning herb and vegetable gardens are not just blooming for the fine food that’s served, but for the estate’s educational programmes that are a prominent part of the Kaseholm experience. Ever yearning, ever learning new things. Scandinavian chickens and African guinea fowl will be sauntering alongside your stride, as you explore the beautiful gardens. Ducks, geese, goats and Gotland sheep are also roaming the land.
An emerald green ridge – in the warmer months, crisp white in the other months – maps a magical walk through what appears to be an enchanting tunnel, towards the ancient, slightly dilapidated ice house. History engulfs the estate from the stone rubble walls to the oldest Chestnut tree in the country, planted by the Swedish King of 1632.
The Gatehouse is a mid-18th century self-catering addition at the gated entrance to the estate, juxtaposing the property’s 17th century bones with integrity. Two ensuite bedrooms rest over two floors, with a mezzanine level offering some additional reclining space on the third. Eclectic living, dining and entertaining rooms merge with one another, letting the property’s extroverted character sing with colour. With an affinity for travel and a discernment in design, the revered interior design and tourism aficionado owners have listened to the way in which each attribute to the property wished to be built.
The Gate House, in particular, is an avant-garde residence that’s been intricately stitched together by Swedish designers and craftsmen, South and West African artisanal furnishings, and a collection of art denoting a poignant gallery space. Wall art by Håkan Berg, vinyl floors by Bolon, lighting by Niclas Hoflin of Rubn. Everything is evocative, in an ardent manner.
Of course there are many ways for your days to unfold at The Gatehouse. A plethora of activities and indulgences to partake in. Depending on the clan’s mission and motive for this Swedish adventure, you’ll be asking those pertinent questions about what really makes you tick and how to savour time freely.
The answers will come with the stay. As you do as the owners intend for you to do. Liberally feasting, resting and playing. Exploring the grounds and neighbouring towns. Flirting with change, reacquainting yourself with curiosity and circumnavigating the pathways that ultimately lead you back to the chords of the heart. Observing what travel does to those little strings that tug and pull at what we’re constantly seeking to find, yearning to attain, yet always harnessing within our soul.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie