House of Bothania: A sanctuary for contemplation and transformation

By Eva-Kristin U. Pedersen | Photos: Ole Harestad

House of Bothania offers immersive healing experiences and authentic journeys into self-discovery.

A short, ten-minute walk from the centre of Stavanger, on Norway’s southwestern coast, there is a special garden waiting to be discovered. Or rather, a garden and a house, together forming a sanctuary that invites you on a journey of exploration and healing. It is a place where your senses are awakened and you are free to take deep, restorative breaths. This is House of Bothania.

“My husband and I bought the property in 2017 as a creative work location. I soon felt drawn to do something with the outside area as well,” says Silje Engelstrand Natland, founder and creative director at House of Bothania.

Creative director and founder Silje Engelstrand Natland.

Shortly after, Natland had a vision. She saw seven distinct realms, each symbolising a phase in the soul’s evolution. These became the foundation for The Alchemist Garden, a place where the outer landscape mirrors the inner journey. “It took five years to establish the foundation and structure of the garden, but now it reflects the vision I had,” Natland adds.

She explains that the garden is based on holistic and therapeutic principles and it changes with the seasons. “The garden is ever evolving, ever expanding, and no matter when you visit, it will always have something meaningful to offer,” she says.

House of Bothania offers tailored holistic treatments.

Holistic treatments

At its heart, House of Bothania is a place where inner and outer landscapes meet; a sanctuary designed to support deep transformation, reconnection and healing.

The Alchemist Garden, however, is just one part of the broader House of Bothania experience. The villa itself, along with the restored stables, is used for holistic healing treatments and for group activities such as creative sessions, coaching gatherings and intimate dinners. Twice a year or so, Natland also hosts retreats on the property.

In addition to the villa and the garden, House of Bothania includes a writing studio and, last but not least, the Butterfly House. This latter symbolises one of the deeper purposes of House of Bothania: transformation. The metamorphosis of caterpillars into tropical butterflies, one of nature’s most profound and beautiful changes, mirrors a personal healing journey. In the Butterfly House, you can witness this natural miracle unfold up close.

“We recently launched an Alchemist Garden Experience, offering guided tours for groups of up to 20 people through both the Alchemist Garden and the Butterfly House,” Natland says, adding that the experience is available approximately once a month, but that private tours may be organised upon request.

Locally made perfumes, oils and elixirs are an integral part of the treatment.

Healing treatments

When it comes to the treatments offered at House of Bothania, Natland explains that they are healing sessions rooted in a holistic, intuitive approach. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, responding to their specific needs and where they are on their personal journey.

In-house perfumes, oils and elixirs are an integral part of the treatments. Available both on-site and through an online shop, these handcrafted, bioenergetic and cruelty-free products are designed to support emotional and energetic healing. “Our products are 100 per cent developed locally,” Natland underlines.

She explains that all products can also be used on their own, whether as a mist to refresh and change energy, as bath oil, or as perfume applied to pulse points or areas that cause pain or problems.

A family business

While Engelstrand is the founder and guiding force behind House of Bothania, it is very much a family effort. “My husband is both my greatest supporter and the one who always challenges me to go beyond my limitations,” she says.

Natland’s daughter is also very much involved in most aspects of the work. She is completing a training in embodied yoga and somatics, which will add another layer of depth to what House of Bothania offers. “She is my right hand and makes this a true family adventure,” Natland enthuses.

The customer base at House of Bothania is international. “I’ve travelled a lot and most of my network is international, so it feels natural to engage with a global audience. But I would love to connect more with the local community as well, and invite more Norwegians to discover what this place can offer,” Natland explains, adding; “Ours is a unique place. It’s an attraction for international visitors, but also a treasure for those close by.”