http://www.xtra.com.sg/a-house-with-heart/
If walls could speak, the Bolon Lake House would have many stories to tell. A house that is more of an informal retreat for creative minds, rather than a hotel, a showroom or anything of that sort, the Bolon Lake House offers seclusion, companionship and irresistible charm within its countryside setting of Björkudden, Sweden. Aesthetically, it lends inspiration from the likes of Jean Nouvel and Giulio Cappellini, as well as friends and collaborators of Bolon.
“I AM OFTEN STRUCK BY THE FACT THAT THE FIRST THING MANY VISITORS DO ON ARRIVING AT BJÖRKUDDEN IS TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS.”
It is hard to pinpoint the exact reason behind the continuous draw of Bolon’s signature house on the lake. Originally a holiday home for the staff of the local newspaper, it was purchased by sisters Annica and Marie Eklund who took over the Bolon flooring company that their grandfather started in 1949 from their parents in 2003. The sisters had a vision for the house, much like they did for their company that was initially focused on producing rag rugs and camping mats. Over time, Bolon evolved into a global brand with a slew of A-list collaborators. The sisters saw the house as having a firm role in the ever-expanding Bolon family. It was to be a breathing space, a welcoming hearth and a source of creativity.
The breath-taking views of Lake Asunden from the house have proven to be inspiring for visitors of the remote destination. “I am often struck by the fact that the first thing many visitors do on arriving at Björkudden is taking photographs. By now there must be thousands of pictures of the Lake House spread all over the world,” says Annica Eklund. Indeed, the seemingly typical Swedish rural retreat done up in neutral tones and wood finishes and the sweeping landscape around the Lake House leave a lasting impression that beacons its visitors to return, time and time again.
But it is, perhaps, the conversations and the company within the Lake House, coupled with surreal and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside seen from its veranda windows, that continue to be the ultimate source of creative stimulation to the many visitors. With the kitchen at the heart of the Lake House and hearty family discussions, coupled with sumptuous food, which goes on and on around the table, the house dares anyone to leave uninspired.
Annica and Marie Eklund believe that the Lake House is never finished and is always evolving, much like the projects and collaborations that Bolon continues to undertake. For the Eklund sisters, the Bolon Lake House continues to be a source of inspiration not only to its guests but to them as well. In the sisters’ words, “New creative paths constantly open up. And at Björkudden, we have finally found the source that gives us more strength to achieve this.”