Fancy a cottage on the island of Vega in the Norwegian archipelago? Not far from the Arctic Circle, this is said to be one of the oldest known places of inhabitance in Northern Norway, with early settlements on the main island dating back to 100 centuries. Agriculture and fishing remain as key fields of labor as they were historically. Depicted by the UNESCO website to have “[reflected] the way fishermen/farmers have, over the past 1,500 years, maintained a sustainable living,” the Vega Archipelago is characterized by its magnificent, harsh northern landscape, gorgeous panoramic views of the Norwegian Sea and the jagged icy mountains rising from within it. The Vega Cottage by Kolman Boye stands alone, at the heart of this untouched Eden. At first glance, it almost seems indistinct amidst the landscape, but the house sits beneath a granite shoulder, among rough terrain. Large windows surround it in three directions, each window distinct in character but equally splendid in telling of the lush wildness and tranquil seclusion. The uninterrupted view of the great ocean, mountains and bedrocks are a stunning juxtaposition against the minimalistic house, whose two levels adapt to its unpredictable terrain in a compact plan. The limited floor area is anything but, with general social spaces. Despite its modern touch, the cottage exudes a subtle character and an aura of handcrafted tradition, and features linseed oil painted pine with untreated birch skirting, frames and reveals. Here’s the perfect hideout to revel in a world exclusively yours.
