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 started the work of bringing the abandoned houses back to life. Using traditional methods and sustainable materials, they are creating their dream home.
In this text, the couple shares their journey and tips for those who also dream of taking on an older house.
"My name is Lisa and I am a newly graduated architect specializing in sustainable building and older buildings. My partner Lukas works as an economist but also has a great interest in houses."
As Lisa's studies at Lund University were nearing completion, they wanted to move back to their hometown Kalmar. While searching for a house, they found Ljungbylund.
"By chance, we stumbled upon the farm Ljungbylund, which had been empty for almost 30 years. The houses were dilapidated and the garden overgrown, but it was located in a magically beautiful place in the countryside yet only a 10-minute drive to the city."
After contacting the farmer who owned the property, they were able to buy the farm. In spring 2023, they got the keys.
On the farm, there are two dwelling houses, an orangery, barn, stable, chicken coop with woodshed, and a gatehouse with a root cellar, all in need of renovation.
"We made a thorough plan for how we can save the farm from decay in stages. When all urgent measures were completed, we could start focusing on renovating the small dwelling house to be able to move into the farm."
In the middle of the renovation, Lisa went down to Lund to present her thesis in architecture. The work is about abandoned houses and how they can be seen as an asset to society, both for the climate and as part of the solution to the housing shortage. Ljungbylund is used as an example of how to save abandoned houses in a careful way.
Paint choice with care
"The choice was simple on the outside. All the houses on the farm are painted with red slurry paint so the small dwelling 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 the old ceiling beams stand out."
They test-painted several colors and received guidance before deciding.
"All rooms except the bedroom are painted with linseed oil paint from Engwall o. Claesson 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 series Pärlgrå shade 9-613."
Natural paints with tradition
"Both linseed oil paint and egg oil tempera are wonderful paint types to work with! Both are environmentally friendly and vapor permeable, which is important to us when working with wooden houses."
"Every time we paint with egg oil tempera, you fall a little in love with the paint type; it’s really so simple and easy to paint with!" says Lisa.
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"Linseed oil paint is more covering and glossy and works well on planed surfaces. Egg oil tempera, on the other hand, gives an extra matte finish and is wonderfully simple and easy to paint with. It works on both planed surfaces and slightly rougher sawn surfaces."
Tips for you who dream of an abandoned house
"Dare to save abandoned houses! It can feel difficult and overwhelming to take on an abandoned house in poor condition, but often they are built with solid materials that can be saved with careful renovation."
A clear plan and getting help when needed have been important.
"From Ovolin we have received fantastic service, and they have patiently answered all our thoughts and questions. We think it’s great that they can mix linseed oil paint according to NCS, which has been a big help for us.
They have easily been able to send color samples, paint, brushes, and other materials, and often we received them one to two days after ordering."
From decay to finished home
After 2.5 years of intensive work, the day finally arrived: moving in! From a farm without working water, sewage, or electricity, with seven dilapidated houses, to a home with all modern conveniences in place. The result speaks for itself!
