I’ve slowly developed a preference for a house over an apartment, and my hunt for houses in Aarhus Denmark is in full swing!
When I first moved to Denmark in 2010, I bought the apartment that was my muse for nearly four years. Then I moved to a smaller place in Aarhus where the lack of storage, privacy, and space has taken its toll on me. I miss gardening, cooking in a nice kitchen, and having a place for everything. I miss having a project, a muse, and a home that I’m proud of.
Houses in Aarhus Denmark
Aarhus is a university city, most of the city apartments are rented to students at insane prices, and there’s still not nearly enough housing to meet the demand. As much as I’d love to hold out for a spacious seven room apartment in the city centre, the fact is that they are few and far between and when they do come on the market, they’re in poor condition due to years of renter abuse, and they’re in buildings mostly rented out to students. I’m tired of noise and living with slobs people who are in a different stage of life than me. I’m burned out on having to hunt for a parking space and sign up days in advance to wash laundry, and I’m ready to move to a house!
Danish design is famous the world over, and while most of it is too spartan for my taste, I do love a lot of the mid-century Danish architecture. At first, I said “nothing newer than the 1920s,” but I’ve revised my stance. Fortunately, a Danish architect-designed house from the ’50s – ’60s is within my budget, and they’re actually pretty cool.
An architect-designed house from 1967 recently went on the market in Aarhus. The house is built into the side of a hill in a forest of evergreen trees, so it’s very private and sort of feels like you’re living in a treehouse, and still has its original kitchen and bathrooms!
One of my main house-hunting criteria is that the house must have original features, or have been renovated with the age and style of the house in mind. Unfortunately, many Danish houses from all eras have been renovated in the modern minimalist Scandinavian style à la IKEA that I just cannot get onboard with, so this house was a real find.
Let me give you a tour…
You enter the house on the ground floor, but most of the living space is upstairs.
How retro-fabulous is this staircase?
The original kitchen is untouched and even has a garbage chute!
Big windows, a balcony, and open floorplan give a strong mid-century vibe.
This place is begging for a Don Draper style makeover!
This reminds me of ’60s era motels I used to stay in with my grandparents—and it has a bathtub, a rarity in Denmark!
This is totally not my color scheme, but I’m so happy it hasn’t been ruined renovated!
Sadly, someone else will have to buy this house. I absolutely loved it, but the kitchen is too small, and I want to be closer to the city center.
As I hunt for the perfect house, I wonder why people ruin period properties when they could just buy something new and leave the period properties to the people who love them. I hope that the people who end up buying this house will appreciate what a unique find it is. It’s survived intact since 1967 and I’d hate for someone stomp all over its period awesomeness.
And so my search for houses in Aarhus Denmark continues…
Miss Apple says
Oh my gosh, I love it. I have a real soft spot for midcentury design! I’ve never seen anything like this in Switzerland…
Sage says
Denmark is THE place for people who love mid-century design. It used to not be my thing at all, but I’m definitely warming up to it :)
Tinuke says
It’s gorgeous! I know you’re still looking but I’d have this one as it is!
Sage says
It really is. I would’ve been on it so fast it would’ve been embarrassing if it had enough space and was in a location that suited our lifestyle. Hopefully another one just as fabulous will be come on the market shortly :)
Melissa says
Wow! I would love to live there! I love the mid-century modern design! I have never been to Denmark but my parents have several times and they just love it! It is on my bucket travel list for sure! I hope one day to be able to see these houses in person! Right now I live vicariously through International House Hunters :-)
Sage says
Funny you should mention House Hunters International. We have the opportunity to be on the show, but we’ve decided not to do it.
Jennifer says
Wow what a neat style! If I were to ever move to Denmark I would need this exact house, haha. Love everything about this place! So much inspiration!
Sage says
This was a very common style in the 60s. Unfortunately, too many of them have been badly renovated over the years and the ones that weren’t are priced at a premium.
Mrs. Emma Spellman says
The house is a beautiful find and I bet you had a hard time turning it down despite it not having what you needed. Our bathroom at our house is so small and I would love a huge bathroom like that. I hope you find your perfect untouched dream house soon!
Sage says
Thanks :) Bathrooms of that size are very rare in Denmark, and so are bathtubs! Even houses in the million dollar range often just have showers. It’s interesting to see how housing features vary in different countries and cultures.
MommyPehpot says
I love the house! It’s cool and bright! I hope you’ll soon find the house you are looking for.
Sage says
Thanks :)
Aileen says
Wow this must be an exciting time for you guys! Denmark is a great place and that house also looks very cozy and stylish. But I bet in time, you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs! Happy house hunting :D
Katie says
Oh, wow, what an absolutely DREAMY design. I love the blond woods and white. So light, bright, and spacious (even when cozy). Nothing like that around here!
Dina says
House hunting can be hard, but stick to what you want! I know that you will find that hidden gem :)
Winter White says
I love this house but I totally see where you’re coming from when you say that it’s too far out from the city center. When I picked the space I currently live in I thought my love for the apartment would over rule the fact that I didn’t love the neighborhood. BIG mistake! Where you live is just as important as what your place looks like. Best of luck with your search!