Villa Sjötorp: Unbeatable atmosphere at classic boutique hotel
By Malin Norman | Photos: Villa Sjötorp
Dating back to 1901, Villa Sjötorp was once the private summer residence of Swedish engineer Carl Emil Haeger. After careful renovation, it serves as a welcoming boutique hotel, a well-regarded restaurant, and a meeting place – for those who seek peace and quiet, delicious food from local producers, and a space for meetings and conferences.
In 1881, engineer Carl Emil Haeger founded one of Sweden’s largest paper industries, Edet Bruk. At that time, many families spent their summer holidays at the historic seaside destination Lyckorna, a coastal community that was booming thanks to its balmy climate, with famous guests such as Victor Hasselblad, Viktor Rydberg and King Oscar II.
“My great-grandfather Carl Emil Haeger designed the house himself,” says Ellika Mogenfelt, who owns and runs Villa Sjötorp. The building was manufactured in parts at the carpentry factory in Lilla Edet, and then transported on barges along the Göta River to Lyckorna, where it was eventually finished in 1901.
In 1995, Ellika bought her great-grandfather’s summer residence, which was well-preserved but in need of some care and attention. “The location is insanely beautiful, with great historic significance,” she says. “My main drive has been to protect the house.” After years of careful renovation, Villa Sjötorp now operates as a boutique hotel with 14 guest rooms, an award-winning restaurant, a fantastic garden and supreme sea views.
Award-winning culinary experiences
As Ellika explains, this part of western Sweden has fantastic local produce. “The forests offer game, mushrooms and berries. There is well-known cheese production at small local dairies, and the fertile farmland provides conditions for grain cultivation and animal husbandry,” she says. “And, last but not least, Bohuslän’s seafood is the best in the world.”
The restaurant at Villa Sjötorp has created a menu based on great ingredients, rather than trends. Praised for its culinary offering, including the Historic Hotels Gourmet Award from Historic Hotels of Europe, the restaurant is recognised by the 360 Eat Guide for its sustainability focus and high quality. “Our kitchen is ambitious, we don’t compromise on quality,” explains the owner. “We prefer to use the expression ‘good food’ rather than luxury and gourmet, even though that’s exactly what it is. Everything served in the restaurant comes from our own kitchen and is mainly based on locally and organically produced ingredients.”
Sustainability has been at the core since the start. “We’ve worked in this way for more than 30 years now, it’s our view of how to take care of nature’s resources,” says Ellika. “We collaborate with local activity companies and local food producers to create a good relationship.”
One of the valued local farms is Lilla Labäck, which delivers fantastic vegetables and flowers to the restaurant. “When the delivery reaches our kitchen, there’s a sense of anticipation,” smiles Ellika. “Lilla Labäck only works with selected restaurants, and we’re very proud to be part of their network.”
Stay all year round at Villa Sjötorp
Open throughout the year, all seasons at Villa Sjötorp have their charm, says the owner: “Autumn, with its calming colours and crisp air, is a great time to enjoy walks in the forest and along the stunning sea front. Nothing beats a warm sauna and a pleasant drink by the fireplace before a scrumptious dinner.”
Christmas dinner at Villa Sjötorp is certainly not to be missed, a feast using the best local produce, and the five-course New Year’s dinner with an endless flow of Champagne sounds fabulous.
In summer, the garden is blooming and guests are often seen relaxing with a glass of wine, taking in the evening sun. “We’re always looking forward to summer here, and we have plenty of entertainment coming up, such as live music in the garden.”
Art, culture and summer entertainment
The summer entertainment kicks off on 6 June, Sweden’s national day, when musicians from the Hvitfeldtska Gymnasium in Gothenburg will pay homage to Swedish music production during the 1970s-1990s. On 12 July, there will be a seafood bonanza with dance and rock ’n’ roll. “We will serve selected seafood from Bohuslän and invite you to dance and wonderful live music,” says Ellika. On 25 July, the popular band Johan Björklund Dynamic Flavours returns to Villa Sjötorp. And on 31 July, Johan Stengård, one of Sweden’s leading saxophonists, will perform with George Keczán on piano.
For guests interested in art and culture, Ellika suggests day-trips to Pilane Sculpture Park, the Nordic Watercolor Museum, the World Heritage Site at Tanumshede and the shell banks in Uddevalla. Families often appreciate a day trip to Nordens Ark and Havets Hus in Lysekil, and the region offers plenty more, including adrenaline-filled water sports, golf at Lyckorna golf course, as well as scenic hiking routes on Bredfjället, which rises majestically over Ljungskile, for some peace and quiet.
“Villa Sjötorp is a meeting place for private individuals and companies where culture, history and nature embrace visitors and create a calm atmosphere,” the owner concludes. “Above all, our guests should feel comfortable and at home when they come to stay.”
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