There’s getting away from it all – and then there’s getting away from it ALL. The homeowner of this luxury summer villa has a whole private island to themselves; it doesn’t get much more private than that. Situated in Sweden on Grötskär Island, Villa Kymmendo was purpose built in a simple but artistic style in 2009. The single story contemporary masterpiece, a project by Jordens Arkitekter, is 2,152 square feet (199.93 square metres) with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The walls of the home are a continual expanse of floor-to-ceiling windows, with balconies and terraces on which to step out and take in the sea air, or revel in sunsets to the west.
Craggy pines surround the home, stretching out over the rocks leading to the water’s edge. The untamed natural terrain and a lapping lagoon form a place of serenity that is separate from the rest of the world. On the rocky shore, a single bedroom guesthouse stands just a short walk away from the main summerhouse. There is also a sauna house on the island, situated on one of the piers. Moored to the shore line are a selection of boats - a necessity to travel to and from the mainland.
The spacious contemporary build is settled over a grassy knoll. The widest deck is held up on slim struts. A roof extension shades half of the deck from rainfall or the blazing sun.
Floating concrete steps lead down from the white terrace, passing down onto the wild grass.
The linear build appears to float just above the undulating landscape, becoming part of the sky.
The rest of the world disappears across the water, beyond the trees.
A seamless indoor-outdoor living experience is created by maintaining the same level between exterior balconies and terraces with interior flooring. The same colour is also continued, over living room floor tiles, wall and ceiling decor. White curtains in light fabric subtly dress the large windows, ready to be drawn closed at night for a cosier feel. The light window dressing can also be used to cool the interior by filtering out bright sunshine during hot summer days. All of the interior lighting is recessed into the ceiling for a minimalist aesthetic.
A series of spotlights are also recessed into an exterior overhang that shelters the narrow surrounding terraces.
On a wider balcony, an open sundeck has been created with an al fresco dining area. The outdoor wooden dining table is large enough to seat ten diners. The outdoor dining chairs match two contemporary sun loungers.
The floor-to-ceiling windows retract, sliding away to open up each room to the elements. Glazed doors are also used to separate interior spaces, which retract to allow the space to flow as one airy and sociable open space during daylight hours. Opaque green privacy curtains can be shut across the interior glass doors as the day draws to a close.
The living spaces are able to grow in area, by becoming one with the exterior ledge when the glass doors are drawn back.
An open plan layout encompasses all of the communal living spaces, including the living room, generous kitchen and six seat dining room. The interior design features clean lines to match the property’s exterior, which allows the far stretching views to dominate.
The colour palette used for the interior is inspired by nature. Deep earthy brown leather sofas span each side of the living room, placed at either side of a rug made up of terracotta, sand, leafy shades of green, berry reds and cool sky blue. A trio of coffee tables are fixed on castors to allow them to be easily relocated to wherever they are required around the spacious seating area.
The main bedrooms are located to the rear of the home to create more privacy. The interior flooring and exterior terrace here are clad in matching wooden plank. A built-in wardrobe blends with the white wall.
A small worktop is fitted into a nook in one of the bedrooms. This space could be used either as a dressing table or as an occasional home office area. A silver wall sconce lights the wooden nook.
This longer desk area has enough room for two to set up work. A run of storage cupboards above the worktop provides concealed space in which to neatly hide away files and office supplies. The black wooden desk chairs have light woven seats that contrast with the orange notes of wood tone used to create desk furniture. The same warm wood tone is used throughout the home, including the kitchen cabinets.
A multi-faceted fireplace is perched right upon the thick white granite worktop of the kitchen island.
Bespoke built-in bunk beds offer a double bed on the lower level and a single to the upper. A set of storage drawers are situated beneath to save space.
The wooden bathroom vanity has an overhanging rectangle basin. A wall mounted faucet keeps the countertop clear.
A wooden deck is home to a boat.
An aerial view of the property shows how the private island curves around in a ‘C’ shape.
The landscape is large enough to hold several homes…
… But there is not a neighbour in sight. The downside is that you could never get a takeaway delivered!
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