The Swedish Sea View Summerhouse

Photography: Matthew Gormly and Christoph Philadelphia

Theresa Höghammar is at her family’s holiday home, on an idyllic Swedish Archipelago staring out at sought-after sea views. Mentally preparing herself for a return to Stockholm and the office she explains “It’s very hard to leave.”.

Holidaying in the house gives Theresa the time to cook the vegetables and herbs she grows in the grounds as well as the game and fish they catch. Getting back to nature, immersing themselves in it was always the initial desire for this home which means more than simply floor to ceiling windows and great views, it means living differently.

Theresa and her husband Dennis run Aloud: sound and light installation companies that ensure Villas and penthouses look and sound wonderful. Obviously, they applied these principles to this property. Natural daylight floods in from either end of the property, enhanced by soft, indirect, mood-enhancing ambient lighting. Technology is constantly working behind the scenes, everything from moisture sensors to warn of possible leaks to speakers hidden within walls (and underground) and a ceiling that absorbs sound, allowing multiple groups to enjoy the open-plan space without distracting each other.

“To be honest, I love the design. So for me it was a lot about the aesthetics.”

Having worked in luxury properties installing lighting and sound systems they knew about Gaggenau, but it was only upon visiting the showroom that they fully understood ‘the difference’. “We got to look at all the small details. We work with technology ourselves, so we really understand the engineering behind it.”

“We’re used to working with these premium brands, it’s difficult, when you do your own project to not want that feeling for yourself.”

Her favourite product: “From a Mom’s perspective: dishwasher. But I do really like the table ventilation in front of our full surface induction cooktop.” “It’s so nice to get that clean space, you tidy up, press it and it just disappears, it’s a very nice feeling.” Beyond its show-stopping appeal, it ensures odours and heat from the kitchen don’t pervade the open plan living area.

Theresa enjoys cooking here. She has more time and she has Gaggenaus, which make it, in her words: “…more joyful. Yes”

But not everything is perfect, some hard sacrifices were made. The full glass ends of the structure, that draw in all that wonderful light, make kitchen design problematic. Theresa and Dennis, with deep regret, had to admit to themselves: “Okay, the wine cooler has to go.”

Their interior designer, Lotta Agaton, suggested a colour for the kitchen. With all the daylight and beige walls, there needed to be something to “ground” the atmosphere and the kitchen. Despite Theresa’s reservations, Lotta felt strongly and after a lot of time finding the right colour, perfection was achieved.