Hygge Hus

The holiday feeling starts as soon as you take the crossing over to the North Frisian island of Föhr. Seagulls cry and swoop overhead, a bracing wind buffets your ears, and the water glitters in the sun. Arrival in the Hygge Hus then brings perfect relaxation. Together with a local architect, the Schiersmann family has created a cozy feel-good place for families and friends—their Hygge Hus. The Danish idea of happiness is based on serenity and sociability, on security and warmth. “Hygge” can be a convivial evening with friends or family, a simple tasty meal, warm candlelight and good conversation, and is always about a cozy and warm atmosphere. All the world envies the Danes for their “recipe for happiness”—here on vacation you can try it out for yourself. From the outside, the building looks classically Frisian with its brick façade, but inside it feels like a Scandinavian summer house. White is the dominant color with black elements to set a contrast. On the first floor, the open living concept with different levels offers plenty of space to sit together, on the upper floor there is also space to retreat with a good book. Natural materials, a functional and unusual design and pretty details such as cushions, rugs, and candles, make the house a cozy place—summer and winter alike, a real Hygge Hus. Long afternoons of puzzling, entertaining game nights, cozy dinners, midday naps in the garden lounger or sunset drinks at twilight on the terrace, bike rides along the dike, a beach picnic, tea at Frisian teatime or a game of mini golf—the list of “simple, good things” to do here is long. Why is it that the days seem far too short here at Hygge Hus on Föhr...?

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• A North Frisian classic from the outside, a modern, open and bright Scandi-style vacation home from the inside
• The color white dominates: black details like door frames, filigree chairs, shapely lamps, the fireplace and lounge chairs create a great but subtle contrast.
• The internal kitchen is right beside the stairs and separated only by a large glass pane (handy if you want to sneak a look into the pots on the way past to see what’s for dinner...).
• The glass doors and panes serving as room dividers provide separation and privacy but at the same time make the rooms feel open.
• Candles, patchwork rugs and cushions combine to create the real hygge feeling.
• The invitingly large sofa corner is lowered and separated from the dining area by a half-height room divider.
• Which do you prefer, a chair or a bench? Either way, there’s space for everyone to find their favorite place at the large dining table.
• The gas fireplace (a real hygge-must-have!)
• The cozy lounge corner in the hallway upstairs
• Built-in cupboards make everything look very minimal and tidy: the space upstairs is opened into the gable giving a real sense of height.
• The two doors to the single rooms on the upper floor are barn doors.
• The classic beach chair in the garden and the seating area on the terrace

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Children are welcome (highchair, baby bed and a selection of games are available).
• One double room is on the first floor, another one (with glass door) and two single rooms are on the upper floor.
• The house has its own sauna.
• To the beach it is about 4 km.
• Föhr is beautiful and verdant and has a mild maritime climate, warmed by the Gulf Stream (it’s also affectionately called the “Frisian Caribbean”).
• Thursday is market day in the small village of Oevenum, where the Hygge Hus is located.
• Horseback riding, ice cream eating, paddle boarding, windsurfing or kiteboarding and visiting the (really good) Museum Kunst der Westküste—there’s a lot to do on Föhr.

Photos: Nina Struve and private