A Well-Preserved 1930s Villa in South Sweden – $278,000

In 1935, textile industrialist Ternoff Johansson, founder of the Wästgöta textile industry, moved into a villa he had commissioned and carefully designed together with an architect. Nearly a century later, this remarkable residence still stands as a tribute to the craftsmanship, ambition, and architectural ideals of the 1930s.

Set in the lakeside community of Överlida, beautifully positioned between two shimmering lakes and just 200 meters from Lake Stora Hallgången, the villa offers both historic grandeur and an enviable connection to nature.

From the moment you step through the pillared main entrance, the home reveals its distinctive character. The entrance hall is bathed in natural light from a large window, illuminating substantial stone slabs underfoot and wood-adorned walls that speak to the era’s attention to material and detail.

As you move further inside, the flooring transitions to beautifully preserved herringbone parquet, a feature that continues throughout much of the villa, creating a cohesive sense of timeless elegance.

The kitchen blends period charm with functional updates. Patterned tiles form an eye-catching splashback above the sink, while dark wood cabinetry and countertops contrast gracefully with white walls and grey flooring.

Modern appliances are thoughtfully integrated, and a secondary entrance and stairs to the basement add practicality to the space. Adjacent to the kitchen lies what was once the maid’s quarters, complete with generous storage and workspace. Another nearby room, originally the maid’s bedroom, enjoys lovely natural light and today offers flexibility as a guest room, home office, or additional bedroom.

The dining room is spacious and inviting, with large windows framing views of the lush garden and allowing daylight to pour in. The herringbone parquet continues here, reinforcing the villa’s refined atmosphere.

From the dining room, impressive sliding doors open into the living room, or salon, where a magnificent stone fireplace forms a natural focal point. This room invites both quiet evenings by the fire and larger social gatherings. From here, doors lead out to a generous stone-paved patio with a roof, creating an ideal setting for long summer evenings, even when the weather shifts.

One of the home’s most enchanting features is its winter garden. With marble flooring, white walls accented by a stone backdrop, mosaic window details, and light streaming down from skylights above, this space feels almost otherworldly.

Designed for year-round enjoyment, it offers room for cultivation, relaxation, and even decorative fountains, while providing direct access to the surrounding garden. It is a seamless bridge between indoors and out, where the changing seasons can be experienced in comfort.

The basement reveals yet another layer of history. Down the stairs awaits what was most likely Ternoff Johansson’s private “gentleman’s room,” an intimate and characterful space accompanied by a traditional wine cellar. It is easy to imagine evenings spent here in conversation, surrounded by carefully selected vintages.

Encircling the villa is a lush, privacy-protected garden that enhances the sense of seclusion and serenity. Mature greenery frames the property, offering abundant opportunities for cultivation, outdoor dining, and summer celebrations. The setting feels both expansive and sheltered, a rare balance that adds to the home’s appeal.

With four toilets and generous living spaces across multiple levels, the villa offers significant potential. It could once again become a distinguished year-round residence, serve as a refined summer retreat by the lake, or be transformed into a charming bed-and-breakfast or thoughtfully designed rental apartments. While renovation is required, the architectural integrity, preserved 1930s details, and exceptional location provide a strong foundation for restoration and renewal.

The house is listed for sale at Croisette.