KLOCKARGÅRDEN – a rural idyll
In the middle of open fields in Norrtälje, just outside Stockholm, lies Klockargården. Once the village bell ringer’s residence and later a countryside schoolhouse, it’s now home to photographer and stylist Emily Slotte and her family. The house blends timeless design with original 19th-century details—surrounded by nature and full of personality.
Röllakan Ruth
Wool Rug - Summer Sky
Lilly
Wool Rug - Claret Red
Scallop
Jute Rug - Misty Blue
Scallop
Jute Rug - Dark Green
Teklan Chunky Mohair
Wool Blanket - Pale Banana
Scallop
Jute Rug - Burgundy
“We fell for the charm of the house straight away - the large, airy rooms and the preservation of original features made it our dream home.”
What’s the story behind finding this house?
"Selling our previous home before finding a new one was a leap of faith—especially with three kids. But just a few weeks later, we stumbled upon what would become our dream home: a charming, faded red house with white details, generous rooms, original features, and a view of open fields and a picturesque church.
At the first viewing, we were surprised by how many people showed up, and the bidding quickly escalated. We ended up going over budget, but as soon as we stepped inside, we felt it—this was where we were meant to live. Four years later, that feeling hasn’t changed."
What was it like when you moved in and what have you done since then?
"When we moved in, the attic was still a separate apartment from when the house was used as a multi-generational home. We opened up the space, added insulation, and created three bedrooms. The old kitchen became a bathroom, and we also opened up a wall downstairs to improve flow and updated the kitchen. In a house this size, there’s always something to do—but that’s part of the charm."
Which room do you prefer to spend time in?
”Despite the size of the house and the number of rooms available, we usually end up in the kitchen, overlooking the garden. It's not for nothing that the kitchen is called the heart of the house.”
How would you describe your interior style?
”In terms of interior design, we like the mix of antique elements and modern details. Large wooden tables, plush rugs, urns and billowing fabrics framing the large mouth-blown windows along with large pots of geraniums make a nice foundation. Color can be brought in in the form of plants and textiles.”
"For us, it’s all about creating a foundation that feels harmonious. We’ve always been drawn to a natural color palette to bring a sense of calm to the space.”
Where do you get inspiration for your home?
“A lot of my inspiration definitely comes from inspiring people on social media. Mostly it's not about magazine-cleaned homes but about that story that flutters past my life, in the beautiful and honest ones. Pinterest is also a deep well to dig into. I create boards for most things in life!”
Your garden is amazing – you seem to have green fingers! How did you go about shaping it?
"The garden is my greatest passion—I can spend endless hours out there. There’s something about having soil under your nails that grounds you, quite literally. On one part of the plot, I’ve created raised beds and a small greenhouse that my husband built last year using old windows from the house. I usually start sowing seeds as early as February, and by spring, the greenhouse is bursting with life. A couple of years ago, we also built an outdoor kitchen, which has become a natural gathering spot for cooking, dining, and long evenings with friends."
Is there anything in the garden that reflects your interior design style?
"I think my interior style definitely comes through in the garden—from the choice of materials to the overall color palette. But I’m also much more relaxed out here. I call it messy unruly, and I actually love that it’s not perfect. It should feel alive, organic, and a little wild—that’s the charm."
How would you describe the area where you live?
"We’re surrounded by open farmland—a protected area, which was a big reason we fell in love with this place. It gives us the peace, space, and connection to nature we’d been longing for.
We do have neighbors, but not right on our doorstep. The closest is the little 13th-century church.
There’s something special about hearing the bells ring on weekends, catching a glimpse of a newlywed couple stepping out, or watching a quiet funeral procession pass by. We often visit the cemetery with the kids, read the headstones, and talk. It’s a beautiful, grounding ritual—both still and strangely life-affirming.
Favorites in the area not to be missed?
"The countryside has really come to life in recent years, and we love being part of it. One summer favorite is our neighbor Norrtälje Bränneri—take a tour, have coffee in the garden, wander through the apple orchard, and end with a Punch or Gin cocktail.
For a truly special farm shop experience, don’t miss Cissi & Clara, where everything is made from ingredients grown right on the farm."
