At home with: Andrea and Björn in Strandtorps Kvarn
From ruined mill to dream life on Öland – a home with views, heart, and sustainability
Perched high on one of Öland’s most wind-swept ridges lies Strandtorps Mill – a unique building with sweeping views of both sea and countryside.
It was the character of the location, the panorama, and the architectural distinctiveness that captured Andrea and Björn’s interest from the very first moment. Perhaps it was also the challenge of transforming something neglected into something vibrant and beautiful that made it all the more enticing.
Who lives here: Andrea Karlsson, Björn Nilsson, and their twins Vide and Leo.
What we do: Andrea is Front Office Manager at First Hotel Witt, and Björn runs his own landscaping business.
When we bought Strandtorps Mill: 2017
Plans for the summer: A cycling holiday with the kids and plenty of swims in the sea!
Instagram: @strandtorpskvarn
How to rent the mill: A direct link to the Airbnb is available via Instagram, or simply send a DM!
A terrace with the best seat in the house
When they took over the mill, it had stood more or less untouched for several years. The wooden deck surrounding the house was in poor condition, and a lot of work lay ahead. With different perspectives on renovation journeys – Andrea quickly visualizing the end result while Björn focused on the workload – they managed to balance dream and reality together.
The renovation, however, was put on hold when the couple became parents to twins. Finding motivation and energy in the midst of life with small children became a challenge in itself, but over time they rediscovered the joy of completing their project. Sustainability became a guiding principle throughout the entire process – a conscious choice that set the tone for the materials, the interior, and the overall feel.
“The mill stands on one of Öland’s highest points, and since Öland is known as the island of sun and winds, the location is quite exposed – that’s why Linax was the obvious choice. Having a durable and sustainable material for the terrace was actually one of the most important aspects of our entire renovation.”
– Andrea Karlsson
A seamless style
The couple has created an outdoor space that both blends in and makes a statement.
The terrace is spacious and harmonious – a place to exhale – with front-row seats to Öland’s famous sunsets. The outdoor shower, overlooking the sea, elevates everyday life with a sense of luxurious freedom.
The terrace and shower were built in Linax – a wood they fell for both aesthetically and practically. Traditional pressure-treated alternatives were set aside in favor of something more sustainable and beautiful. Linax proved to be the perfect choice for the exposed location, and the way it naturally weathers to a silver-grey over time enhances the feeling of a home that has grown in harmony with its surroundings.
Indoors, they have preserved as much as possible of the mill’s original character. On the upper floors, little more than a fresh coat of paint was added – floors, beams, and several older pieces of furniture remain. In the kitchen, great care was taken to create a solid floor in Öland stone, while outside, the decking was finished with elegant borders that tie everything together into a cohesive whole.
A home that has become a sanctuary
Today, Strandtorps Mill is a place for restoration and calm.
There’s no TV here, no daily stress – only tranquility, closeness to nature, and the feeling that time can stand still. The proximity to both the sea and Borgholm makes every stay even more enjoyable, and it is precisely the balance between simplicity and quality that makes this place so special.
For Andrea and Björn, it has been essential to listen to the house itself. Every choice has been made with respect for the building’s history and its needs. Much of the old has been preserved – from furniture to load-bearing timber details – and insulation was deliberately left out on the upper floors to maintain the rustic atmosphere.
The mill has become part of the couple’s identity. Breathing new life into a place with so much history feels meaningful, not only for themselves but also for future guests. For them, it feels natural to share the space – to let others experience that unique sunset and feel their whole body fill with a quiet kind of happiness.
“Sustainability has been a common thread throughout our entire renovation, and when we started looking at different materials and discovered Linax, it immediately felt like the right choice.”
– Andrea Karlsson
Renovation Dreams brought to the screen
The renovation journey also became part of the TV show Renoveringsdrömmar (“Renovation Dreams”), something that turned out to be both intense and fun.
The response after the program aired has been overwhelmingly positive, and encounters with people who followed their journey have left a lasting impression. Andrea would happily take on more projects in front of the camera – while Björn imagines doing so at a slightly calmer pace.
What the future holds is still unknown – but one thing is certain: their passion for creating beautiful, sustainable environments is here to stay.