Stuck in the Seventies: Swedish time capsule house – unchanged since 1977 – is a retro-design gem

The three-bedroom property's earthy colour palette, bold wallpaper and brass pendant lamps haven't been changed since ABBA topped the charts with Knowing Me, Knowing You. 
1/34
Jess Denham3 October 2018

One way to keep up with ever-changing trends is to update your interiors once a season – a green marble side table here, some jungle print wallpaper there.

The other is to stick with one style until it goes full circle and is inevitably declared "in" again years later.

The owner of this characterful country house for sale in Sundsvall, Sweden, has taken the latter approach, barely changing anything since the three-bedroom home was built in 1977 – the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee, Elvis Presley's death and ABBA's hit Knowing Me Knowing You got to number 1.

Today it stands as a retro gem of a property, its ochre walls, lairy floral print curtains and brass pendant lamps are dream Instagram fodder.

On the market for the first time for 1,300,000kr, the equivalent of just over £110,000, highlights include the original open, curved staircase with roped bannister and the maximalist wallpaper that adorns every room (and, in the case of the master bedroom, the fitted wardrobes too).

Lovers of bold colour and pattern will be in raptures, but the large kitchen/diner leading out to the patio will appeal to those with a more subtle taste – though also original, it still looks surprisingly contemporary.

On-trend Scandi influences are apparent in the chic modernist light fittings throughout.

Clashing prints: linoleum floors and colourful wallpaper date back to the Seventies
Ulrika Söderberg / Husfoto

Overall, there is over 1,170sq ft of living space spread across two floors.

Of course, the next buyer may well choose to modernise it, stripping out the linoleum floors, painting the walls in safe neutral tones and updating the kitchen appliances, but it's arguably a historical work of art as it is.

The striking, angular architecture warrants mention too, as does the bright upstairs reception area leading into a slim fully-glazed terrace, perfect for entertaining, with lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

"This property is unique in both form and time," says Anna Lundqvist, estate agent at Länsförsäkringar Fastighetsförmedling.

Not for minimalists: even the master bedroom's fitted wardrobes are floral-clad
Ulrika Söderberg / Husfoto

"The owners designed the house themselves and are the only ones who have lived there. It’s a house to be renovated but we hope the buyer keeps the style, because it could be so awesome."

Outside is a large garden, once used to grow fruit trees but now described as “wild”.

There is a garage built into the house, plus extra parking with space for several cars. Several outbuildings could be used as sheds or offices.

The house is surrounded by hiking trails for the summer months and ski trails when snow falls, making it the ideal holiday home for active families.

It is close to Sidsjon lake for swimming, fishing, canoeing and ice-skating.

Focal point: the statement open staircase with roped bannister is also original
Ulrika Söderberg / Husfoto

Sundsvall, Sweden’s best-preserved town from the late 19th century, known as The Stone City, is a short drive away.

Here you will find a great variety of shops (including Ikea), cafés and theatres, as well as two bustling squares, a fountain and magnificent architecture.

Interested buyers must submit their bid to the estate agent, who continuously updates the seller on the highest bid.

The seller is under no obligation to sell to the highest bidder once bidding closes. Bidding is currently open, with details available online.