The Vipp Farmhouse – a rustic-contemporary Danish retreat

Fancy a bit of escapism to end the week? I certainly do, so let me introduce you to the Vipp Farmhouse – the fourth addition to the Danish design brand’s collection of bookable accommodation (you can see the others here, here and here) and an idyllic slice of rural Scandinavian life.

Located on the island of Lolland, a two-hour drive south of Copenhagen, it’s surrounded by forests and rolling fields. It was originally built in 1775 as a cottage for the gardener of the neighbouring Søllestedgaard estate, and on the outside it looks like a quintessential Danish farmhouse thanks to its whitewashed walls, thatched roof and gabled ends. On the inside, however, it’s a different matter. Interior designer Julie Cloos Mølgaard wanted to introduce contemporary elements without diluting the building’s character, and the result is a wonderful mix of old and new. Throughout, sleek stainless steel, black marble and aluminium sit alongside gnarled beams and vintage finds, while the colour palette is made up of calming nature-inspired hues. The overall effect is minimalist yet cosy and gently embracing – just what you need for a soul-restoring countryside break.

Much of the ground floor is taken up by an open-plan living space, with a sitting area to one side of the staircase and a study to the other. I love the way the smooth stone floors are offset by textured jute rugs and woollen upholstery, and the way the desk has been positioned in the window to make the most of the lush green views – I can imagine an author using this place as a writing retreat, although I don’t think I’d get much work done if it was me! Dotted here and there are sculptural ceramics, salvaged baskets which hint at the house’s past, and tonal photography prints of the local landscape. The lamps and ‘Chimney’ sofas all come from Vipp’s own collection and add a smart, sophisticated twist.

To the rear of the living space is the kitchen, which is made up of Vipp’s modular ‘V1’ units in a soft, misty grey. Their matt surface contrasts beautifully with the steel worktops and polished metal wall shelves, while the crockery and utensils blend smooth stoneware with rustic wood. A pair of Vipp pedal bins – an iconic design which first propelled the company to success back in the 1940s and 50s – complete the mix.

There are three bedrooms – one on the ground floor, which opens directly onto the garden, and two upstairs. All are soothing sanctuaries, with crisp white walls, salvaged benches and soft beige linens on high-end Dux beds. Pretty little details – a straw hat dangling from a peg rail, flowers plucked from the garden – add the finishing touches.

As for the location, it sounds wonderful. Lolland’s fertile soil is ideal for growing fruit and vegetables, and the island has become something of a foodie destination thanks to its abundance of local, seasonal produce. You can taste some of the best on the Søllestedgaard estate, whose former stable has been transformed into a restaurant and farm shop, and there are wineries and cider orchards nearby. What’s more, sandy beaches, nature reserves, castles and lakes all lie within a short drive.

Oh how I dream of a week or two here, waking up to birdsong before pottering outside with a coffee, or snuggling up with a book in winter. It really does look like the perfect place to unwind, forget about daily stresses and reconnect with nature.

Book a stay at the Vipp Farmhouse here. Two-night midweek breaks start at €750.

Photography by Anders Schønnemann for Vipp

Related