Lakeside castle in South Sweden where maximalism rules
Häckeberga Slott / Genarp / Sweden
If you’ve read this blog before you know that I love when people have a vision they believe in and they just go for it. Especially when this vision is something extra, that breaks the pattern of what is the current trend or what is expected from others. This is what Anna and Lars Norrman have done with their latest project, Häckeberga Castle in Genarp, South Sweden.
There are more than 90 castles in the Skåne region. This stunning French Renaissance castle is sitting on one of the seven islets of Lake Häckeberga. There has actually been a castle on this site since before the 16th century but this one was completed as late as 1875.
So what is so unique with this place? It is the interior. Anna and Lars have such a “fingerspitzgefühl” when it comes to combining colors, textures, patterns and materials that result in the most attractive, eclectic interiors. Everywhere you turn one corner is more mind-blowing than the next. I almost gave my poor Leica camera a burn out with all the photos I took of this hotel. It is better to just look at the photos than me trying to describe the design.
All in all there are 27 rooms, 14 are in the side building and 13 in the castle. Ours was situated in the castle and was painted in the deepest of greens with the ceiling in a contrasting (some would maybe say “clashing”) salmon pink. The main feature was the four poster bed where we really slept like kings, which felt suitable considering the location.
Häckeberga Slott has such an attractive location, sitting on a small island.
In my fantasy this is a draw bridge connecting the castle to the mainland.
The architectural style is French Renaissance and I am here for it!
Welcome to Häckeberga! Love the potted plants framing the entrance giving it a splash of colour.
As soon as you enter the eclectic, bold interior kind of punches you in the stomache. Colors, plants, decorations, art work…
There are plenty of seating areas where you relax and just hang out while eavesdropping to the conversations of the other guests (which is actually one of my favorite past times).
Our majestic room. A plush sofa and a four poster bed. What else could anyone ever ask for? Maybe a salmon pink ceiling?
I love the dark green and how the outside light was playing with the color.
A bed fit for royals.
Everywhere you turn there is art work on the walls. This one was hanging in our room, seen lying down from our bed. An excellent position to admire art from.
We stayed here with two friends, Andreas and Hanna, and I snook into their room to take a photo of it to be able to show examples of more stunning design.
It is drink o’clock! The bar is located on the first floor and it looks like this! Maximalism extravaganza. I mean, just look at the parrots hanging from the ceiling.
A still life to rest your eyes on.
The upstairs dining area. The dinner was a multi course affair (I lost count after 6…) by Titti Qvarnström of Guide Michelin fame.
I know it is difficult to take photos of food but I just had to try. All the plates and bowls have been made by the chef herself.
A small amouse bouche between courses.
After dinner we went back to the bar to hang out. We chose the pink tower room.
Me and Hanna having a glass of red, talking the evening away.
Like I said, everywhere you turn there are interesting features that catches your eye. And my camera lens.
M sleeping like a baby prince while I snook out to try to find coffee and take some pictures…
…like this one, where the morning light drowns the lobby and the beautiful old tiles.
Sweden in the Spring… Everywhere in the nature reserve surrounding the castle, the ground was covered with white wood anemones.
The region of Skåne has so much to offer. Especially when it comes to food and “fika” (as we say in Swedish). We made a pit stop at newly opened Gustafs Pizza in nearby Kivik. They were just as delicious as they look. Especially the one with beetroot.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are looking for a country get away that is something out of the ordinary. There is nothing ordinary or boring about this place. If you want to be blown away by unique, eclectic design and delicious food, then this is your place.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is easy to chose. It is the boldness that has gone into designing this castle. There are so many places where you can feel that the designer has held back. Here the hand break has been completely disconnected and at this castle maximalism is king (or queen).
What not to miss when staying here is…
…to explore the region of Skåne. There are so many great places to eat, to have coffee, to shop, to go for a swim, to hike, to eat ice cream or just to enjoy nature. For such a small area Skåne punches way above it’s weight when it comes to…basically everything. The area of Österlen is especially rich.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Norrmans Farmhouse, Klippinge, Denmark
Dorsia, Göteborg, Sweden
Villa Augustus, Dordrecht, Netherlands
