Innistova: Stay in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with exceptional views

Innistova is a newly restored ancient farmhouse in Viðareiði, surrounded by spectacular scenery and breathtaking views. Renovations have taken place with great care and respect for its history, and with a personal touch and attention to detail, the result is a stunning place where you can immerse yourself in the surroundings, recharge, and simply be.

Innistova is a place like no other and with unparalleled views. To the south, you can see Malinsfjall, to the north Villingadalsfjall, and to the east and west you have the wild expanse of the North Atlantic Ocean. The views take in known landmarks such as Kallur Lighthouse, Viðareiðis church, and Ónagerð vicarage. Every window offers a different perspective of the extraordinary surrounding landscapes.

Jacoba and Gunnar Jørgensen Qvade bought the old farmhouse in 2023. The building has since undergone a complete refurbishment, returning it to its former glory with a modern and cosy twist, ensuring that the heart and soul of the house remains intact. “We love this place and want to share that feeling with our guests,” says Jacoba.

This is a labour of love, with a close eye on the increase in visitors to the island and a need for bespoke, high-end accommodation. The couple hails from the Faroe Islands, Jacoba from the small village of Viðareiði, and they both know the area, the people and the culture inside out. The villagers are happy to see the farmhouse brought back to life and appreciate that a local family is behind the project.

Breathing new life into an old building

The renovation project was a challenge, and when rebuilding began, the couple unearthed wood used in previous reconstructions, dating back to the 17th century. “Trees don’t grow here so they would have gone down to the fjord and collected whatever driftwood from shipwrecks that they could find,” Gunnar explains. The couple has kept many features and any salvageable interior, but everything else has been carefully, selectively and lovingly replaced or restored.

“We had the idea to renovate a house here and turn it into a high-end holiday home a few years ago,” says Jacoba. As properties like these rarely come up for sale, when the old farmhouse came on the market they had no doubt that they wanted to buy it. “We hoped to return it to what it might have looked like in the past, but in a modernised version,” she continues. The house itself is full of history and the thought and care put into keeping this alive is remarkable.

Gunnar and Jacoba Jørgensen Qvade.

Gunnar, a carpenter by trade who now runs an architectural firm with Jacoba, has overseen and completed all building work himself, whilst Jacoba has scoured antique markets and local shops to find pieces of furniture, cutlery, and home decor to fit with the style and age of the house.

The combination of modern, sophisticated and high-quality items with the local pieces make for a unique space. “It’s important to us that we have stayed true to the heart and soul of the building,” Jacoba says. Visiting Viðareiði is like going to a place where time has stood still, and this is cleverly also reflected in the house. “We have kept what we could,” Gunnar adds. All details throughout the farmhouse are handpicked, and the couple has maintained as many of the original features as possible.

A high-end, relaxing and authentic experience

“After just two days here, you feel recharged,” says Gunnar. Innistova is an ideal place to unwind, rejuvenate and get away from the stresses of busy everyday lives. The house and its surroundings sum up the essence of slow living, existing in harmony with nature and the elements. You can spend your days just enjoying the views, or if you feel like exploring the landscape, you can take a short walk to the starting point of the hiking trail to Cape Enniberg, a well-known landmark with a 754 meter vertical cliff to the sea.

You are truly immersed in the culture here, with no tourist attractions or shopping centres on your doorstep. A local farmer delivers fresh produce, milk, eggs and home-cured meats, and there is an abundance of rhubarb patches around the farmhouse. The weather plays a crucial part in the day-to-day here, for locals and visitors alike. “They say that you can experience four seasons in a day here,” Jacoba says. “But I would say it’s more like four seasons in an hour!”

If you dream of visiting this remote and stunning part of the world, and experiencing a holiday in beautiful, authentic surroundings, Innistova is the place for you – a chance to reconnect, to explore the culture of this astonishing part of the world, and to just enjoy the views.

Web: www.innistova.fo
Facebook: innistova
Instagram: @innistova