House of the Year 2009

As you might know, Norwegian Magazine Bolig holds a contest each year to choose the best house of the year. In 2009 the winner was this country house in Hokksund. It consists of three buildings: a main building from 1889, a brewery and a barn. In 2006 the Kvernstad family restored and renovated all three of them.

Perhaps my Norwegian readers could help me with the translation of the words and signs that appear in this house. Please? I did use an online translator but unfortunately they are still quite unreliable.


The main house


The barn which is now used to hold parties.












Does the wording at the top of the stairs say something about coming home? But of course, it's French and it says "Just like your home" Thanks, Chapstik Fanatic!




"Kisses and Hugs and Love" Got the top sentence. Help with the one below?

Thanks to reader Krn I now know that the headboard says (not in Norwegian, but Danish) "Kisses, hugs and love, it is the world's glory"

And Krn expands: "Written language in Norway in the 19th century was the Danish language. This is not surprising to see this on an old norwegian bed."





This is the inside of the barn. Rather dark I guess.


Part of the guest house.

All images from here.

Country House in Mallorca

Good Thursday morning to you, treasures.

This two level country house in Mallorca, Spain, has terrific bones. Stone floors and walls, beams, beautiful arches. Spainsh interior designer Mestre Paco gave the interiors an eclectic look.

Tour time!




























All images from here.

Summer House on Costa Brava

Good morning, my friends. Spanish interior designer, Marta Esteve decorated this two story home in Port Lligat on Costa Brava, in Spain. Clean lines and a contemporary look for this home with stunning views.

























Hope you enjoyed today's tour. See you soon.
All images from here.

Guest House in France

We are back in Peru after our lovely winter holidays in Argentina. I thought it was going to be freezing cold but we had remarkably good weather.
Lets go on another home tour.
It took six years to restore this guest house called Un Coeur très Nature, and located in the valley of Vidourle, in southern France.






























Photography by Patrice Binet
All images from here.