Bed&Books: chapter 1

Every special place begins with a story. Bed&Books is no exception.

Long before there was a house filled with readers, homemade cakes, and quiet afternoons overlooking the Stockholm archipelago, there was simply a child who loved books.

Some of my happiest childhood memories were made in bookstores. Every so often, my father would take me along, smile, and say just two words: "Go ahead." I would lose myself among the shelves until I'd found the one book that simply had to come home with me. Looking back, I realise what a remarkable gift that freedom was.

But loving books alone wasn't enough to create Bed&Books. For that, I first had to find Sweden.

Moving here brought me to a red wooden house in a place that feels wonderfully removed from the rush of everyday life. The forests turn from deep green to brilliant white with the seasons, the water is never far from view, and silence is something to savour. It's the kind of place that gently invites you to slow down, settle into a comfortable chair, and read just one more chapter.

The final piece fell into place when I became an Airbnb host. I discovered how much I loved welcoming people into my home. Sharing this beautiful corner of the world, helping guests feel at ease, and chatting with them about their travels and experiences brought me much joy.

Then, quietly, the idea for Bed&Books arrived. It wasn't a grand revelation. It simply settled in my mind and, day by day, became impossible to ignore.

I realised I couldn't be the only person with an ever-growing stack of books waiting to be read. So why not create a place where time slows down? A place where every page has room to breathe. A place where someone can finally finish that novel that's been waiting on the bedside table—or perhaps discover a new favourite.

I'll bake the Swedish fika, prepare the meals, and take care of everything else. All you need to do is open your book.

And if, at the end of the day, we find ourselves talking about the stories we've read, I can't imagine a better ending.