Some properties have history you can feel the moment you arrive. Villa Solbacka 1911 is one of them.
Villa Solbacka 1911 sits at the end of a small road on Skarpö, a quiet island just outside Vaxholm. Built in 1911, the estate spent decades slowly deteriorating before its current owners took on a restoration that would go on to be featured in The Wall Street Journal in 2022. The WSJ article, "The Swedish Dream House Nobody Wanted," told the story of a property that had been passed over repeatedly — too remote, too run-down, too much work. But for those willing to see past the peeling paint and overgrown gardens, Solbacka offered something rare: original 1911 architecture, water on three sides, and a level of privacy almost impossible to find this close to Stockholm.
The restoration preserved what mattered. Wooden floors, generous windows, the proportions of a house built to last. New bathrooms were added, the kitchen was entirely rebuilt with premium appliances, and a spa area was carved out in the lower level of the main house. But the character of the place — the warmth, the light, the sense of a home rather than a showpiece — stayed intact.
Since joining the Scandinavian Hospitality collection, Solbacka has become our most popular summer property — fully booked most seasons, often by returning guests who reserve their weeks a year in advance.
"We spent almost two weeks there last summer and booked again for June of 2026 as soon as we got home. The kids still haven't stopped asking when we're going back. They say 'tack så mycket' to everyone now. We realized halfway through last year's stay that we didn't want to leave, so we made sure we'd be back this summer."— Returning guest
The estate now includes seven bedrooms across the main house and two guest cottages, accommodating up to 18 guests. A private dock extends into the water. A wood-fired sauna sits steps from the shore. The garden has grown quietly over a century: old trees, stone paths, lawn reaching the waterline. Outdoor dining seats the full group. A badminton court, ping pong table, and trampoline. Canoes, SUPs, wakeboard, waterskis, fishing equipment — all included.
What makes Solbacka compelling isn't just the restoration — it's where it sits. Water surrounds the property on three sides. Vaxholm town is a ten-minute boat ride. Stockholm is 40 minutes by car and ferry, close enough for a day trip but far enough to feel completely removed. The archipelago stretches in every direction: Grinda, Möja, Sandhamn. A small motorboat is included for trips between islands.
The estate offers a rare combination: the privacy of an island property with the accessibility of a short drive from the city.
The full story behind the restoration was covered by The Wall Street Journal in their feature "The Swedish Dream House Nobody Wanted" available to read here.
Ready to experience Solbacka for yourself? View Villa Solbacka 1911 and enquire about availability.
