A modern Danish allotment home, full of Scandi simplicity

For six months of the year, Tine and her husband Theis escape to their modern Danish allotment home, which the couple have rebuilt lovingly and furnished simply

Ask most Danes to describe a typical allotment or garden house (and there are over 60,000 such spaces in Denmark) and chances are you’d hear ‘small’, ‘idyllic’, ‘made of wood’, with a ‘veranda, a white picket fence and peonies aroumd the door’. “Our house looked like that once,” says Tine Richter, talking of the modern, black timber-clad allotment home, bought in 2013, that she shares with her husband Theis. “But we got so fed up of the constant repairs that we decided to knock it down and build something new… and somewhere that just worked.”

“We love having the opportunity to live so close to the water during the summer months,” says Tine. The couple’s allotment home is in the Danish coastal town of Dragør.

While walking around the neighbourhood, the couple discovered a number of newly built allotment houses that combined old charm with modern practicalities. After some initial research and visits inside such houses, Tine and Theis decided upon a small carpentry firm to design them a new home that was unique – and at a fair price. The original footprint was extended by 15sqm and the exterior was clad with black timber, with black windows and doors. “We had so many concerns that the house would be dark and gloomy or that it was too modern,” says Tine, ‘But we also had lots of interest.”

Inside the space is light, with a very summery Scandi atmosphere, thanks to the pale wooden walls, high ceilings and natural materials and, of course, the amazing views. “It’s a modern interpretation, yet still full of charm,’ says Tine.

Colours are limited, with furniture picked up secondhand or made by Tine and Theis. “It was important for us to add pieces with soul to contrast with the new,” says Tine. The striped reclining chair belongs to a friend of Tine’s, who’s just “looking after” it for her. The Japanese mobile can be found in Tine’s shop, KLAY Copenhagen.

With just enough space for a double bed, the main bedroom has been kept neutral, with a kimono from KLAY Copenhagen hung above the bed for decoration. “Before we rebuilt our allotment home, we had to spend ages removing the mould from the walls before we could relax into summer,” says Tine. “Now when we arrive it’s just dry, warm and nice.”

A wooden terrace wraps around the house, which creates different areas, while a canpoy allows the couple to eat outside whatever the weather. “We find ourselves breathing that little bit easier when we are here,” says Tine.

See more of Tine’s home in our Vol 2 Summer issue, which you can order for the special price of £5 per copy while stocks last (excludes P&P/worldwide shipping available).

Words: Mette Kirstine Brinch/House of Pictures; photography & styling: Tia Borgsmidt/House of Pictures