Tjolöholms slott – An Enchanted House

Open the door and enter the tale of an enchanted, unique house. The heavy granite, Tudor Revival house resides like a strange bird between the rocks and the sea. The light dances across the large windows. Behind them fires crackle in sumptuous Arts and Crafts rooms.

Outside, the garden extends towards the sea with abundant flower displays and rose terraces as it gradually merges with the natural landscape. Behind the hill lie the workers’ village and church.

Meet the people who created it all: Blanche Dickson, who with great determination and enthusiasm built it in line with her ideas about comfort and beauty, and the architect, Lars Israel Wahlman, who together with her created a synthesis of forms where every detail is a source of joy. Care, innovation and humour permeate the project, which never ceases to fascinate the visitor. Only the best is good enough for rich and for poor alike. Welcome to Tjolöholm.

Elisabeth Svalin Gunnarsson is an author, photographer and cultural scientists with a special interest in gardening, cultural history, architecture, speech art and everything British.