Meet the people behind the place - Landet Stay
At Landet Stay, you’re welcomed by passionate owners Umberto and Ted, who blend Italian warmth with Swedish hospitality. With backgrounds in business and a love for nature, they transformed their dream of sharing the serene Swedish countryside into a beautiful retreat. Their commitment to sustainability and design is evident in every detail, creating a cozy atmosphere for guests to enjoy memorable experiences amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
What is de name of your accommodation?
Our accommodation is called Landet Stay.
Could you briefly introduce yourself, including any family members | name, age, place of residence?
I am Italian, but I have been living in Sweden for six years. I run Landet together with my business partner Ted, who is Swedish.
Could you tell us more about yourself? For example: your interests, free time activities, work, family, holidays?
One of the perks of living in Sweden is that, even if you live in the centre of town, nature is always just a few steps away. We are very passionate about outdoor life—swimming, hiking, or kayaking. Both Ted and I also love to travel and experience inspiring hotels around the world.
When and in what way did this property come into your life and what motivated you to make it a part of your life?
We both have a background in business, but we are incredibly passionate about hospitality and nature. What motivated us was the desire to share the magic of the Swedish countryside with guests from outside Sweden, as well as with locals who may not have their own place in the countryside. In Swedish, "Landet" means countryside, but it also has a deeper connotation of reconnection with loved ones, a slower pace of life, and coziness—qualities we wanted to capture when we decided to build our accommodation.
Can you tell us more about the process of renovating and furnishing your property?
We looked at a lot of land, but when we found this place, we knew immediately that it was "the one." It spans 400 hectares of unspoiled waterfront nature, with the sea and forest as your only neighbors, yet it is still less than an hour from the city centre. We aimed to build in a way that would be as respectful as possible to the area, adhering to our "leave no trace" philosophy, with an emphasis on sustainable choices throughout the project.
What makes this property truly special for you? Any standout memories or moments that make it dear to your heart?
When we finally saw the cabins in place—lights glowing in the dusk and the wooden facades merging with the trees—it was truly a magical moment for us.
How would you describe the atmosphere and interior of your property?
It is a blend of Scandinavian design with a playful, colorful British aesthetic. For the design, we collaborated with Andreas Martin-Löf, one of Sweden's top architects, and for the interiors with Tobias Vernon of 8 Holland Street Gallery in London. We believe this balance between Scandinavian minimalism and British coziness creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Which part of your property do you love the most, and why?
We are especially fond of the floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Whether you are lying in bed, cooking, or sitting by the fireplace, all you need to do is raise your eyes, and you feel one with nature. Even in the bathroom, you can open the curtain to enjoy the view of the forest outside while you shower!
What makes the location where your accommodation is located unique and special?
The property where the cabins are located has been in the same family for hundreds of years and has never been open to the public before. It is a large plot of 400 hectares with forests, fields, and even a few islands that our guests are free to explore for a walk or a picnic on the rocks. The connection we and all our guests feel to this unspoiled part of the world is truly special. There is something uniquely soothing about being in a place that feels so far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Are there any sustainable or eco-friendly applications associated with your property that you are proud of?
Everything we have built—from the cabins themselves and their foundations to the water and plumbing systems—is designed to be removable when the time comes, allowing us to return the land to its original state. All of our materials have been chosen for their sustainability credentials, from the wood of the facade to the metal of the foundations, as well as our windows and floors made of recycled glass.
What motivated or inspired you to rent your property to guests?
Our desire is to share the magical way of life in the Swedish countryside—cozy moments with loved ones in simple yet comfortable and design-driven surroundings, all in a beautiful waterfront location in the archipelago.
Can you paint a vivid picture of the overall experience someone can expect when staying at your property?
Imagine waking up as the forest around you also begins to wake. If you feel adventurous, you could take a quick dip in the water, followed by a refreshing sauna. Take a short hike, and then head back to the cabin for lunch and a rest by the fireplace. In the afternoon, you can drive into the quaint town of Trosa, just 15 minutes away, for some shopping and afternoon tea at the charming Bomans Hotel. You could also attend an evening concert and dinner at the Cultural Centre in Järna, or return to the cabins with local produce for a cozy dinner.
In what ways does your property stand out from others? What unique features or characteristics make it a one-of-a-kind experience for guests?
Being in the middle of the forest provides our accommodation with a unique and unusual experience for guests.
Can you share the best compliment you've received from a guest?
More than one guest has even asked us if they could buy a cabin to take home, which we consider quite a high compliment!
What do you hope guests will take away or remember most from their stay in your accommodation?
We hope they can enjoy the nature surrounding the house, have fun, and relax.
Do you have any recommendations for guests to fully enjoy their holiday? Your valuable tips will be featured on your accommodation's page!
Besides the activities on our land, there is plenty to do in the area depending on the season, such as mountain biking at the local MTB arena, ziplining at the adventure park, exploring castles and mansions like Tullgarn, which was once the summer residence of the royal family, and enjoying concerts at the local Cultural Centre. One of our absolute favorites is visiting James Turrell's Skyspace, a magical installation located just 25 minutes away that offers a spectacular light show every day at dawn and dusk.