Nestled amidst the winding streets of Ekebäck, Anna, Niklas, and their blended family of four children have created a haven that blends historical charm with modern living.
Their home, built in 1897 for a seafaring captain, exudes a timeless elegance that reflects their love for turn-of-the-century architecture and thoughtful design.
From the lush garden to the handcrafted details inside, the Wählisch home is an inspiring mix of history, functionality, and personal touches.
Anna works with housing brokers in Lorensberg, Vasastaden, and Nedre Johanneberg—if you’re thinking about selling your home in these areas, Alvhem can provide expert guidance and will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
A Slice of Ekebäck History
Ekebäck is a neighborhood filled with character, known for its irregular streets and proximity to the city.
Anna and Niklas were drawn to its charm and practicality—tram lines are just a short walk downhill, and the inner city is a quick bike ride away.
The couple fell in love with their home’s storied past, imagining the crooked sea captain who once called it his own.
The house was a perfect match for Niklas, with his love for the sea, and Anna, a self-proclaimed fan of historical architecture.
The Eriksberg crane on the horizon and boat horns on foggy evenings enhance the maritime connection.
The Kitchen: A Dream Three Years in the Making
The kitchen, often described as the heart of the home, is where Anna and Niklas’ passion for design shines brightest.
After three years of careful planning, they chose a custom-made kitchen from Wasaköket, that isperfectly suited to their home’s history.
The kitchen is elegant and inviting with its soft linden-green paneling and Carrera marble countertops. Its centerpiece is a solid Ilve gas stove, a must-have for Niklas, a trained chef.
Exposed wooden beams, revealed during renovations, add rustic charm and connect the space to the home’s original structure.
Anna’s dedication to detail is evident everywhere, from the cabinets that stretch to the ceiling to the centered sink overlooking the garden.
“It was important to avoid trendy traps and create something timeless,” Anna says.
The family often starts their mornings on a secluded terrace just outside the kitchen, surrounded by fragrant lilacs and the soft rays of the morning sun.
Living and Dining Rooms: A Fusion of Classic and Modern
Adjacent to the kitchen is a dining room featuring vibrant William Morris wallpaper and grand double doors leading into the living room.
Here, a built-in bookshelf—crafted by Niklas himself—spans an entire wall, holding everything from Kafka to contemporary fiction.
The living room also features one of the home’s two original tile stoves, a stunning forest-green piece that radiates warmth during Gothenburg’s colder months.
Recently installed herringbone parquet flooring adds a touch of luxury and harmonizes beautifully with the home’s original aesthetic.
Bedrooms: Cozy Retreats with Timeless Details
Upstairs, the family’s bedrooms continue the theme of historical elegance.
The master bedroom features the second original tile stove, providing warmth and a cozy ambiance on winter nights.
The floor, original plank wood treated with white-pigmented hard wax, offers a soft and inviting touch underfoot.
Sigrid and Nicole, the youngest daughters, share adjoining rooms with light and playful decor, creating a perfect space for their creative adventures.
The Greenhouse: Anna’s Personal Paradise
A standout feature of the home is Anna’s greenhouse, a birthday gift from Niklas. Inside, rows of tomato plants thrive alongside figs, peaches, and herbs.
The greenhouse, with its antique green-painted doors and bubbling fountain, is both a functional garden space and a serene retreat.
“If you can plant just one tree, let it be a Japanese ornamental cherry,” Anna advises.
The tree, now a centerpiece of their garden, recently bloomed into a breathtaking pink cloud of flowers.
A Garden Full of Nostalgia
The garden surrounding the house is a celebration of its turn-of-the-century origins.
Carefully selected plants like love herbs, hops, and peonies evoke the era when the home was built.
A gazebo hides a trampoline—an ingenious way to combine functionality with aesthetics, much to the children’s delight.
Conclusion: A Home Rooted in Family and History
Anna and Niklas’ home is more than just a beautiful space—it reflects their values and shared vision.
Every detail, from the carefully chosen kitchen to the thriving garden, tells a story of dedication, creativity, and love.
As we leave, the soft murmurs of their cat, Saga, echo through the garden, and the fragrance of lilacs lingers in the air.
The Wählisch family has restored a house and created a timeless sanctuary that bridges the past and present.
This remarkable home, rich in history and personal touches, is a testament to Anna and Niklas’ vision and care.
You can reach Anna directly at [email protected].
