In the heart of the Swedish Archipelago, on the island of Skäret, I found my sanctuary. It’s been a love affair that started when I was very young and took on a whole new level nine years ago, ever since my partner, Mats, and I embarked on the journey of a lifetime: building our very own haven in this idyllic paradise.

Skäret is no ordinary island; it’s a place where time seems to slow down. With only five properties on the island, it retains its raw, unspoiled beauty. What makes it even more magical is the shallow waters that cradle its shores, warming under the sun’s gentle caress. Here, the daylight lingers longer than anywhere else in Sweden, painting the sky with hues of gold and lavender. My connection to this land runs deep. Growing up in Stockholm, I never knew the luxury of a family summer home. Instead, I sought refuge in the homes of my closest friends, our laughter and shared adventures weaving the tapestry of my childhood. At the tender age of fourteen, I would hop on a bus, my heart brimming with excitement, to spend precious moments in the Archipelago. When I was very young I even had a fortune teller prophesize of my future life on an island, a vision that would soon come to fruition.

The memory of those days stayed with me, and when I lived far away in England, New York or Hong Kong, I would return to the island of Sandhamn, just to feel the wind in my hair and reconnect with my roots.

When we married, Mats and I began to think about where we might begin to build a summer house. And when we saw Skäret, through the dusk, it immediately took root in my heart. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I was at the dawn of a new business venture, and the arrival of our daughter made the idea of a serene island escape all the more appealing. Our top priority was to create spaces where friends could find refuge, inviting them to share in the beauty of this secluded paradise. It was a place where many could come to visit, a retreat for all.

In the summer months, life on Skäret revolves around the jetty. It’s a place where we live, laugh, dine, and play. The world outside seems distant, as the island casts a spell that makes it easy to be present in the moment. Here, the simple joys of life take center stage – savoring delicious meals, listening to podcasts, and, of course, getting plenty of rest.

Skäret is more than just an island; it’s a cherished chapter in our lives, a place where the proper life unfolds. It’s a place where our dreams have taken root and where the bonds of friendship and family grow stronger with each passing season. Here, in the embrace of the Archipelago’s beauty, we found our own version of paradise – a true home for the heart.