FAIRYTALE ROMANCE
When Benja Stig Fagerland and her husband Tore found a new home during the course of their honeymoon, it was only the start of a long - standing love affair.
Author Benja Stig Fagerland makes no secret of the fact that, just like her three daughters. Vilde Sofie. Alma Kristine and Ella Kamille. she still enjoys reading fairytales. Indeed, the story of how she and her husband Tore found their present home near Oslo in Norway sounds iike it came straight out of the pages of Hans Christian Andersen.
We were on our honeymoon, hereon the island of Nesoya. so it was all very romantic recalls Benja. We were alsoon a quest to find a new house, as the place we lived in at that time had become too impractical for our daily commute to Oslo. Wed looked at dozens of places, but hadnt found anywhere we really liked." But the newlyweds luck was about to change. One day, while we were out walking, we came upon this little white painted house, tucked away in the forest, just like a cottage in a storybook. Benja continues. It was owned by an old couple, whod lived there for over 40 years, and it was in a pretty bad state, with painted tonguc - and - groovc panelling everywhere, and an ancient kitchen and bathroom. But despite all that, the house felt wonderful Tore and I looked at each other and we both said instantly. "This is the house!" Our friends thought we were crazy to take on a place - that needed so much work, but wc were young and in love, and ready for the challenge.
Since Benja and Tore both own their own businesses, and lead busy lives, their priority was to create a calm, relaxing haven. The couples first step was to reconfigure the ground - floor layout. It felt rather gloomy, so we tore down all the partition walls and opened up the space. says Benja. Tore designed and built a new, open - tread staircase and a glass balustrade, to allow even more light into the interior.
After that, we added some modern kitchen and bathroom fittings, and the house began to seem like home, says Benja.
With the structural work complete, the pair embarked on repainting the whole house in brilliant white - from top to bottom. We got through literally dozens of litre? of paint. laughs Benja. but all that panelling looked totally different once it was white. It was amazing!
When fine - tuning the decor, Benja drew her inspiration from interiors in her native Denmark, and plumped for a monochrome look throughout the ground floor. Using combinations of black and white for the furniture, fabrics and accessories, such as picture frames and lamps, gives a clear, well - defined edge thats pleasing to the eye. she says. To finish. Benja used hot pink as an accent, so adding warmth and contrast to the schemes.
Benja also wanted her home to reflect her belief in family values. Everything in here must have a story behind it - a special meaning for Tore or myself or the girls. she says. For example, when I look at the paintings weve collected, it gives me a genuine sense of being "at home." Occasionally. Ill buy something on impulse, just because it happens to be trendy. But then Ill have second thoughts and get rid of it. Insisting that every piece passes this test is also a way of keeping clutter at bay. For me, its the only way to decorate!"
Twelve years on, Benja and Tore arc now planning an extension to create extra space for the girls. I love this house and everything about it. says Benja. I adore the garden, the woodland setting, and the sense of light and peace. Wed never, ever dream of moving from here. I suppose you could say its our "happy ever after" house!Twelve years on, Benja and Tore arc now planning an extension to create extra space for the girls. I love this house and everything about it. says Benja. I adore the garden, the woodland setting, and the sense of light and peace. Wed never, ever dream of moving from here. I suppose you could say its our
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