Realised by Swedish architect Andreas Martin-Löf, and founded by Umberto Garabello, Landet Stay embraces local ties and natural surroundings
Photography by Magnus Mårding featuring one of Landet Stay’s cabins designed by Andreas Martin-Löf
Words by Jessica-Christin Hametner
Trosa may be known as the end of the world among locals in this delightful municipality, but Södermanland County is one of Sweden’s most scenic spots, offering Stockholmers, including ABBA’s Benny Andersson and the Swedish royal family, a perfect escape from city life all year round.
It seems fitting then that the contemporary Landet Stay, a new hotel concept established by Umberto Garabello, quietly debuted its inaugural opening last month, providing a convenient base from which to explore the Sörmlandsleden.
Tucked away in the forests of Trosa, an hour south of bustling Stockholm, Landet Stay was born out of Garabello’s love for the Swedish countryside and Scandinavia’s slow-living philosophies for a good life. With a strong emphasis on holistic wellness and planetary betterment, Landet Stay forges a simple way of life that honours sustainable, culture-rich lives close to nature.
Photography by Magnus Mårding
‘The pandemic crystallised how so many of us share a deep need to connect with nature,’ shares Garabello. ‘We were inspired to combine our love and respect for nature with our passion for good design and great hospitality experiences.’
It is here, in a 400-hectare nature reserve, that Swedish architect Andreas Martin-Löf has fashioned four contemporary, wooden-clad hotel cabins. Dotted through peaceful woodland and built by construction company Husverket, six more cabins will be added later this summer, including an artist’s cabin surrounded by trees, which will act as a sanctuary for creatives.
‘From the first time we saw the plot, we just knew that it would be the perfect location,’ adds Garabello. ‘To be on an unspoilt peninsula and on the doorstep of the archipelago is a real privilege. Trosa is widely regarded as one of Sweden’s most picturesque towns: it’s full of traditional wooden houses which are hundreds of years old, canals, lovely restaurants and shops. It’s managed to maintain the charm of yesteryear, yet still feels welcoming, inclusive and up to date.’
Photography courtesy of Landet Stay and Andreas Martin-Löf featuring Landet Stay’s cosy bedrooms
In line with Landet Stay’s emphasis on connecting with the land and locality, the 40 sq m cabins stand on simple plinth foundations, leaving the natural surroundings untouched. Constructed using sustainable materials that imitate and respect the local environment, the architects coated the exterior cladding in all-natural, black-brown pine tar, used in Scandinavia as a preservative for wood exposed to harsh conditions.
Creating a stain-like finish, the Vikings were among the first to discover the properties of pine tar, which they used to protect their ships and building façades from rot. Produced from the forest, it replenishes wood on its own, protects the substances and prolongs the wood’s life.
Inside, London-based designer Tobias Vernon of 8 Holland Street used an elegant colour scheme of chocolate browns, earthy russet tones and accents of grey to imbue warmth and colour throughout, making guests feel at one with nature. The compact but impactful cabins take full advantage of the forest views with floor-to-ceiling windows, adding natural light to the minimalist interiors clad in brown stained plywood.
Photography by Magnus Mårding featuring Landet Stay’s interior designed by Tobias Vernon of 8 Holland Street
Bespoke pieces by &Tradition, including the brand’s popular Lille Petra chair, are paired with nature-inspired, patterned rugs by Nordic Knots to provide a plush feel underfoot. Timeless classics by Louis Poulsen – think the iconic PH376 pendant light and Panthella table lamp – and custom-made furniture combine both practicality and aesthetic appeal.
Each cabin is fully equipped with both high-tech necessities and touches of cosy luxury. Bedrooms are fitted with eco-friendly textiles by Swedish startup Movesgood; in the bathroom, hotel toiletries are good enough to buy yourself and come courtesy of Dr. Vranjes, bringing a touch of Florentine alchemy to the Swedish countryside; living rooms feature a fireplace for cold winter days, a spacious dining area and well-equipped kitchen; and outside, photogenic terraces are the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine on a balmy summer evening or a warm hot chocolate during Trosa’s colder winter days.
A perfect base for slow days, surrounded by idyllic lakes and deep green forests, Landet Stay provides access to a sauna, de-stressing massages, uplifting yoga classes and grounding meditation sessions. Offering a space to rest and recharge, this unique retreat presents visitors with an enchanting escape from the everyday.
Photography by Magnus Mårding featuring Landet Stay’s interior designed by Tobias Vernon of 8 Holland Street
Best of all, visitors can take advantage of the nature-focused experiences surrounding the hotel and easily access numerous hiking trails, diverse countryside or even enjoy a spot of health-boosting wild swimming before cooking wholesome meals with fresh, local ingredients using Landet’s food delivery boxes. What’s more, Trosa’s Kulturhuset is just a short drive away, where the café’s pastry chef Sanita, nominated as one of three for Sweden’s best pasty chef during the Stella Gala in autumn last year, serves up organic and biodynamic meals.
‘Growing up across a number of different cities and countries, the countryside has always been our go to place to slow down, rest and find fresh energy,’ explains Garabello. ‘When I first moved to Sweden, I realised both how special the Swedish countryside is and how difficult it is to access, short of having one’s own home. So, we set about building our idea of the perfect getaway. This is just the beginning for Landet, we have many plans for how we want to grow, develop the concept and let as many people as possible experience the best of the countryside – in Sweden and abroad.’
Exuding country charm and contemporary comfort in equal measure, Landet Stay redefines the traditional concept of hotels, driven by the increasing demand for personalised and experiential stays. Going beyond aesthetics to evoke calmness, Garabello has embedded wellbeing into the guest experience in a breath-taking nature resort that embraces all the senses. As Landet Stay helps guests escape the digital rat race and rekindle their connection with nature and the world around them, there’s no wonder it has become the place to be.
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