Ett Hem means ‘a home’ and I think this boutique hotel might be the most beautiful home I have ever seen. Located on the outskirts of Stockholm, this fairy tale house is welcoming and comforting. With just twelve rooms, the atmosphere is intimate and the service personal. Despite the luxurious setting the ambience is relaxed and casual and guests are encouraged to sit where they wish, dine where they desire and work where they want.

The converted 100-year-old red brick building reminded me of a gingerbread house, especially from the outside. It has striking turquoise features on the roof and pipes and a surrounding brick wall with an intriguing but unassuming wooden door, which makes it all feel very exclusive but friendly.

Designer Isle Crawford has added character and charm to a variety of buildings, hotels, and shops… but at Ett Hem her passion for the art of interior decorating seems more vital than ever before. Repetition doesn’t exist here, every corner features an inimitable vintage find and every surface showcases a unique item. Should you wish to read there is a colourful bookcase to choose a story from, or if you want to play music, a stylish guitar sits patiently nearby. In the kitchen the farmhouse style dining table is always ready for diners and the fridge is open 24 hours a day for hungry visitors. I loved the whimsical greenhouse area and the romantic courtyard garden which I’m sure is particularly lovely in summer. I also spotted a few bicycles here which guests can take out and use round the city.

Our bedroom was at the top of the house, room number 11. Downstairs the living room space is magically decorated with quirky things in every corner. Our bedroom however was more typically Scandinavian… simple clean aesthetics with a dose of style and plenty of character, the colours more muted and the furniture more minimalist. The floor was a warm honey coloured wood and the big bed looked majestic draped in grey blankets and cushions with a spotlight from the bedside tables on either side.

A small retro cabinet held the minibar temptations and a low book shelf was stocked full of intelligent and pretty books. Beneath the window a small desk offered a place to work, and also displayed a copy of owner Jeanette Mix’s beautifully illustrated book of carefully selected things to do in Stockholm. The bathroom was the perfect glamorous boudoir. Clad in a sand shade of marble with gold fittings and Kiehl’s coconut shampoo and conditioner, it was an immaculately swish room.

Breakfast at Ett Hem feels like a particularly special meal, you are offered ‘anything you like’ to be eaten ‘anywhere in the hotel’. We found it difficult to choose between the equally beautiful rooms but eventually decided on the chic sofas in the light and airy glasshouse. Here we were served sweet freshly squeezed orange juice, smooth creamy coffee, and a variety of bowls holding thick yoghurt, homemade granola and jewel red fruits. If I wasn’t so full from our meal the night before, I would have indulged in the just-cooked waffles too!

Although small, this boutique hotel caters for business needs adapting various rooms and spaces into creative meeting environments. For fitness and wellness there is a small exclusive sauna and a gym downstairs for those wishing to burn a few calories. However where Ett Hem really excels is in its culinary offerings. Many are vying to visit to try the innovative and delicious meals from the rustic but revolutionary kitchen. The seasonal dishes are lovingly prepared and brilliantly executed and the menu changes frequently.

My favourite details at Ett Hem were the things you don’t see instantly, but instead the thoughtful subtle touches that make one’s stay unforgettable: the alluring, bespoke scent from Fueguia in the air, the specially made Italian duvets that feel like you are collapsing into a marshmallow, the daily home baked cake that guests can tuck into throughout the afternoon.

More information and book a stay at Ett Hem here.