Swedens best Sustainability Experience!
”An experience in the Swedish forest that takes the guests back in time when it is easy to breathe, listen, learn, see and taste what the farm and the surroundings have to offer. An impressive whole where sustainability and a constant desire to look ahead gives them the highest ranking.”
In November 2021 we were awarded a prize for Swedens most Sustainable Experience by the 360° Eat Guide. A true honor to be recognized for our sustainability policy but also a reminder that working for sustainability is an ongoing process. A big thank you to all our guests who have helped us to make our dreams possible.
Now we are ready to take the next step by providing private bathrooms for our Hermitage guests with a circular water system where grey water is cleaned by passing through the Orangery before returning back to the lake.
Building the Hermitage cabins has been a large part of our holistic and sustainable approach.
The Hermitage cabins are built of wood from our own forest and sawn locally in Skållerud about 7 km away. The windows & doors have been reused and have been given new life in these off-grid Tiny houses, which reduces their environmental impact. In fact all the cabins have been designed just to fit the old doors and windows.
The walls are insulated with sheep wool, a natural material that is fireproof, soundproof and harmless. The floor is insulated with Hampa, which is a non-toxic by-product from Hampa cultivation. The hemp regulates moisture and has a deterrent effect on mice. Wood fiber has also been used as insulation for its high insulation value and the fact that it is by-product of the wood industry.
The living roof of the original Hermitage consists of plants such as wild strawberries and Orpine that are taken from the surrounding environment.
On the Slate house Hermitage the re-used tiles are from the the original roof of the Skippers cottage from around 1870. The wooden roofing has been treated with tar for extra protection according to traditional methods.
The antique repurposed windows at the A-Frame Hermitage and Slate house Hermitage with colored glass panels date from about 1890 and were salvaged from a nearby house.
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FOOD
Food, environment and health are interconnected. We believe in short deliveries and are happy to serve food from our own production or locally produced in the vicinity.
The farm is certified Organic and our sheep keep the natural pastures open which creates the possibility for increased biodiversity.
We apply a zero-waste policy where food residues are given to the animals on the farm or composted.
Our muscovy ducks are free grazing and provide us with duck eggs while working with snail control. The hens lay our breakfast eggs and control parasites by grazing freely after the sheep in a mobile chicken house. We grow our own vegetables with the Permaculture cultivation method. The vegetables are fertilized with sheep manure in a perpetual cycle.
Food served on the farm is produced here with meat from our own sheep and vegetables from the garden. Local producers supply us with things we don't grow which also helps to build up the local economy. By using wild herbs we hope to give you a food experience direct from Nature.
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Swedish Country Living is now a part of "A Taste of West Sweden". A guide to the most genuine and tastiest food experiences in the region.
LAND MANAGEMENT
We conduct holistic management in a regenerative system on our natural pastures to build up the land. Through concentrated grazing pressure and constant movement of the sheep, the grass's root system increases, which improves the soil's ability to counteract dehydration or flooding. In addition, a so-called carbon sink is created which takes care of carbon dioxide emissions.
The toilets have urine separation and the urine is used diluted for apple trees. Feces are broken down and the compost turns into soil.
Our energy consumption is environmentally certified via green electricity with solar panels for additional help.
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Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
