Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Hidden Gems and Romantic Getaway Experiences
Photo: Jenny Nohren
The feel-good manor Situated just a stone’s throw from Sunne, in the heart of the lush woods of the county of Värmland, Ulvsby Manor boasts a proud history dating back to the 1600s. “Our guests say that it’s just like arriving at a friend’s place in the country – those friends who own a manor where you’re always welcome, but treated as a little bit more than a guest,” says owner Marianne Krönsjö. By Linnea Dunne
With peaceful surroundings and stunning views over lake Fryken, Ulvsby Manor is a haven of relaxation and the perfect place for living the good life – and this is nothing new. For centuries, the estate has welcomed guests as well as residents for a spell of lush living and great food and drink, among them Queen Christina of Sweden and Nobel Prize-winning author Selma Lagerlöf. While a part of the manor’s history – that of the local prison back in the 1600s – was destroyed a year and a half ago 56 | Issue 113 | June 2018
when the guest wing was burnt to the ground in a fire, the memory of these special residents will live on for a long time. “We got the construction antiquary involved, but nothing could be salvaged, so we decided instead to take their help to create a new wing – an entirely new guest wing with 13 manor rooms and two suites boasting incredible views across the lake. Each room has been individually designed by a set designer and an artist, and named after a person connected to the manor’s history, such as fictitious characters from Selma
Lagerlöf’s books,” says Krönsjö, who is noticeably excited about the slight expansion, opening this month. “Best of all, there’ll be a mini spa on the ground floor, decorated in a style combining elements of Värmland’s oral tradition and Mediterranean-oriental influences – and boasting panorama windows, naturally.”
Holiday hiking Also inspired by the Mediterranean are the package deals developed around Sunne’s biannual hiking week, perfect for those looking for a combination of a raised pulse in unspoilt nature and quality culinary experiences. With local guides imparting their historical and cultural knowledge to hikers, this is a chance to really get to know an area so full of mythical places and historical landscapes.