A Spacious Late 19th Century Villa with Outbuildings in North Sweden for $120,000

Built in 1887, this characterful turn-of-the-century villa occupies an elevated position in Ärtrik, a small village in Helgum surrounded by forests, waterways and rolling countryside. With its traditional interiors, generous garden and collection of outbuildings, the property offers a glimpse of rural Swedish life while remaining a comfortable year-round home.

Known locally as “Anna Johansson’s,” the house is named after the last member of the Johansson family to live on the farm. The family’s connection to the property stretched from the 17th century until the end of the 19th century, giving the site a history that extends well beyond the current house.

When the villa was constructed, timber from the old homestead was carefully selected for the new building. It was positioned on a small hill within a grove of trees, creating a sheltered yet open setting overlooking the surrounding landscape. From the veranda, the view extends across the river valley towards Lake Helgum, while in the opposite direction the landscape rises towards Ärtriksklippen.

The villa stands on a generous 5,284-square-meter plot with a gently hilly character, creating plenty of opportunities for outdoor seating areas.

The landscape changes considerably with the seasons. Summers revolve around swimming, fishing, hiking and evenings in the garden, while autumn brings berries, changing forest colors and increasingly clear night skies.

In winter, the area becomes particularly well suited to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A snowmobile trail runs directly outside the property, connecting Ärtrik with Edsele and Långsele, and provides routes extending as far as Sollefteå. The wider Sollefteå area also has an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails, many of which remain usable well into the brighter days of late winter and early spring.

Despite its rural setting, the villa has some practical modern upgrades. Fiber internet has already been installed, while the roof was repaired in 2014.

An unusual benefit is that the property includes 2,000 kWh of free electricity each year, helping to reduce annual running costs. According to a previous quotation, installing 42 solar panels could produce approximately 17,000 kWh of electricity annually, giving a future owner another option to improve the home’s energy performance.

Inside, many of the details associated with late-19th-century Swedish houses have been retained. High ceilings and wooden floors form the backdrop, while tiled stoves, a wood-burning stove and a fireplace add both warmth and historical character.

Traditional details are complemented by period-inspired wallpaper and linseed oil-painted doors, floors and window niches. Rather than feeling overly restored, the rooms retain the slightly informal quality of an old country house that has evolved over generations.

The elevated position also means that natural light changes noticeably throughout the day. Morning sun reaches the hallway and kitchen, while later in the day the light moves around to the opposite side of the house. In the evening, sunlight enters through three windows on the short side of the villa, illuminating the wallpaper, painted woodwork and fireplace.

These changing views and light conditions are an important part of the house, connecting the interiors closely with the landscape outside.

The established garden includes apple trees as well as redcurrant, raspberry and gooseberry bushes, adding to the property’s traditional rural feel. With its combination of open areas and mature vegetation, there are numerous places to create terraces, dining spots or quiet corners overlooking the countryside.

The relatively secluded setting also has its advantages after sunset. With little surrounding light pollution, clear evenings offer expansive views of the night sky, particularly during the darker autumn and winter months.

Two traditional outbuildings sit alongside the main house and help frame the property. They also offer interesting possibilities for future use, whether as guest accommodation, studios or recreational spaces. There may even be potential for a small café, shop or flea market, subject to the necessary permissions.

For anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors, the surrounding area is one of the property’s strongest features. Walking routes, forest roads and snowmobile trails lead directly into a landscape of extensive woodland, berry fields and cloudberry bogs.

Around 250 meters from the house is a pond used for swimming and fishing. Char and rainbow trout have been introduced to the water, with seven fishing piers providing access. Four shelters and barbecue areas make it possible to spend an entire summer afternoon by the water.

Another local destination is Ärtriksklippen. The climb takes around 15 minutes and is rewarded with wide views across the landscape towards Helgum.

The Fax River is also within walking distance. Approximately 750 meters from the property lies Älvrummet, a small delta-like landscape where the river divides into several channels, creating sheltered places for swimming and exploring. From here, it is possible to paddle or travel by boat towards Edsele or downstream towards Helgum and the area’s extensive inland delta.

A few kilometers along the road towards Edsele are the fishing cottages Harren and Öringen at Meåforsen, where overnight accommodation is available.

The property is listed for sale at Carlsson Ring (listing date August 13)