Scandinavian Style

The view from Nes Gard.

Breakfast didn't start until 8 a.m. at Nes Gard, the bed and breakfast where we were staying for three days on the Sognefjord in Norway.  However coffee was ready at 7:15 so we decided to take some time and sit in a small beautiful room  in the main house where we could read or just look out the window at the fjord and waterfall across the water and sip our coffee.  Mari, who owns Nes Gard along with her husband Asbjorn, came in to chat with us.  She lit a candle on the table where I had my small computer and then disappeared into the kitchen through a side door.  Soon she reappeared with two warm croissants on blue plates and handed them to us.  Later when we thanked her for the unexpected morning treat she said, "It's the simple things." 

The sitting area in the main house at Nes Gard.

I am no expert on Scandinavian style, but only know what I observed in this most beautiful country of Norway.  From what I could take in, less seems to be more.  The photos I am showing are from this marvelous little place that I first read about in National Geographic Traveler.  Asbjorn told me that a journalist came there about three years ago and took pictures.  He was trying to sell his work to various publications.  When he sold the piece to National Geographic Traveler, it put Nes Gard on the map and has brought them extra business.

Nes Gard is translated "farm at the end of the peninsula."  Gard is the word for farm.  They grow apples there and make their own cider.  When I booked this place online I decided we should go for what they call half board which is breakfast and dinner added to the price of the room.  It was the best decision we ever made.  We were told that their main cooks and workers were from Slovakia.  I can never explain the quality and tastiness of the meals we ate.  We sat with a couple from Seattle for three nights and talking, eating and laughing took us two hours.

We stayed in a small house that contained about five rooms that was beside the bigger farm house.  Our room was tucked up under the eaves and even though it was small, it was comfortable.  The bathroom was small as well, but the tile floor was heated which is a cozy thing.  From our two windows we could see the fjord. 

 

 

 Outside our room was a delightful sitting room.  Window sills were deep in both buildings and there was always a simple display on the window sill whether it was a pitcher of flowers or some art piece or both. 







Small vignettes were placed sparingly yet beautifully throughout the rooms and even outdoors there were simple things to catch one's eye.  I was clicking my camera continually.  The view to the fjord with the waterfall may have been enough, but the simplicity of design was just the added touch to make it complete.  And as Mari said, "It's the simple things."


      Nes Gard Through the Lens of my Camera

                                                                     

 

 

 

Click on pictures to enlarge.