In the beautiful Småland landscape, just ten minutes from Kalmar, lies Ljungbylund, an 18th-century farm that stood empty for almost 30 years. Here, Lisa and Lukas have begun the work of bringing the abandoned houses to life. Using traditional methods and sustainable materials, they are creating their dream home.
In this text, the couple shares their journey and their tips for anyone who also dreams of taking on an older house.
"My name is Lisa and I am a newly graduated architect with a focus on sustainable construction and older buildings. My partner Lukas works as an economist but also has a great interest in real estate."
When Lisa's studies at Lund University were coming to an end, they wanted to move back to their hometown of Kalmar. While looking for a house, they found Ljungbylund.
"By chance we stumbled upon the Ljungbylund farm, which had been empty for almost 30 years. The houses were dilapidated and the garden was overgrown, but it was in a magically beautiful place in the countryside but only a 10-minute drive into town."
After contacting the farmer who owned the property, they were able to buy the farm. In the spring of 2023, they received the keys.
On the farm there are two dwelling houses, an orangery, barn, stables, chicken coop with woodshed and a gatehouse with an underground cellar, all in need of renovation.
"We made a thorough plan for how we could save the farm from decay in stages. Once all the emergency measures were completed, we could start focusing on renovating the small living house so we could move into the farm."
In the middle of the renovation, Lisa went down to Lund to present her degree project in architecture. The work is about abandoned houses and how they can be seen as an asset in society, both for the climate and as part of the solution to the housing shortage. Ljungbylund is used as an example of how abandoned houses can be saved in a careful way.
Careful color selection
"Exteriorly, the choice was easy. All the houses on the farm are painted with red mud paint so the small living house was painted with Falu Rödfärg .
We want the feeling to be warm and cozy in calm colors so that the house's original timber walls and old ceiling beams become prominent."
They tested several colors and received guidance before making a decision.
"All rooms except the bedroom are painted with linseed oil paint from Engwall Claessons in NCS 2005 Y20R. The bedroom is slightly darker in the color NCS 4005 Y20R. The ceilings are painted with egg oil tempera in the Pearl Gray shade 9-613 series."
Natural colors with tradition
"Both linseed oil paint and egg oil tempera are wonderful types of paint to work with! Both are environmentally friendly and open to diffusion, which is important for us when we work with wooden houses."
"Linseed oil paint is more opaque and glossy and is suitable for painting on planed surfaces. Egg oil tempera, on the other hand, gives an extra matte surface and is incredibly simple and easy to paint with. It works for painting on both planed surfaces but also slightly rougher sawn surfaces."
Tips for those who dream of a deserted house
"Dare to save abandoned houses! It can feel difficult and overwhelming to take on an abandoned house in poor condition, but they are often built with solid materials that can be saved with careful renovation."
A clear plan and getting help when needed has been important.
"We have received fantastic service from Ovolin and they have patiently answered all our questions and concerns. We think it's great that they can break linseed oil paint according to NCS, which has been a great help to us."
They have easily been able to send color samples, paint, brushes and other materials and we have often received them one to two days after ordering."
We at Ovolin are so impressed by Lisa and Luka's ambitious project and highly recommend following their Instagram to see how the renovation continues.
Follow their journey on Instagram: @ljungbylund
