Alright, thanks for your patience – as you can perheps imagine, it’s been a busy day with showings and quick phone calls, but Im glad to give you a deeper insight into this property for you as an overseas buyer looking for a chance to make a mark in Sweden, on beautiful Gotland, just outside of Visby.
You’re looking at a classic countryside opportunity—a real fixer-upper with loads of potential. The property stands on Hejdeby Suderbys 236, which sits about a 10 min drive east of Visby, in the heart of Gotland, Sweden. This house is definitely one for someone not shy of a renovation project, maybe someone with a bit of imagination who wants to bring some history back to life and create a unique home for family, or as a creative retreat, or maybe even as a base for letting out to others who want to experience rural Swedish lifestyle.
This property, built way back in 1900, was constructed in the traditional Gotlandic style, with a plastered facade that’s seen a lot over the years. You’ll see the bones are solid, the house has character and authenticity, but it’s clear when you walk in that it’s time for an update. The house hasn’t had extensive modernisation, so plan some work with tools—and maybe a little patience, too. The upside to this is you’re not inheriting someone else’s rushed DIY jobs throughout, so you can properly plan and make it your own from scratch.
This is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom country home, 76 sqm living space and actually with an extra 92 sqm of secondary buildings or “bonus space”, so for those with ideas for workshops, home offices, or even maybe a guest studio, there’s a bit more here to play with than you might expect at first. But, let’s be realistic – the spaces are in need of renovation, so budget and timeline are two thing you should keep in mind. Original period details like the tiled wood stove, some lovely old woodwork on doors and frames, and big windows for natural light do give a great base.
The kitchen, as it stands right now, is functional but basic, probably due for a full update. There’s room for a breakfast table and if you’re into vintage living, there’s a wood-burning stove as well. Upstairs you’ll find two decently sized bedrooms—again, all ready for your own mark, paint, and layout ideas. These could work as private bedrooms or maybe workspace or studio areas if you’re creative or working remotely.
Now, the outdoor space here is one of the real highlights. You’ve got a garden plot of around 2,468 sqm, which is a generous size for Gotland. There’s a patio for enjoying evenings, lilac bushes and mature fruit trees and–if you’re into gardening or want your own vegetables, more than enough space for cultivation or simply enjoying the calm. Kids and pets would love the free run here, and you could make it a really lively outdoor area for gatherings, especially in the summer.
Let’s talk about what’s it like to live here – Ok, Visby is truly a special place. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is full of medieval buildings, city walls, and cobblestone streets. Culture is everywhere, with summer festivals, open-air concerts, food events, and (honestly, sometimes a LOT of tourists). There are plenty of international expats, especially artists and families that came for the “island pace of life” – it’s welcoming and has a bit of everything, from hip little cafes and bakeries to museums and art galleries.
Being in the countryside, you will live within peaceful fields, forests, and just a 10-15 min drive from the coast. Outdoor activities are a big thing here — cycling trails, forests for walks or mushroom picking, and obviously the Baltic coastline for beaches, fishing, or simple picnics. In the summer it can get sunny and really lively, while winters are more quiet, daylight’s short, with some snow, but Gotland generally gets more sun than the mainland—locals call it the “sunshine island”. The seasons are distinct, so expect a real variety.
Daily life outside of town means you’re going need a car or bike, the bus for kids to school isn’t bad though. Shopping, healthcare, supermarkets, and big amenities are found in Visby itself, so you have both privacy at home and practical access to what you need. It’s a good lifestyle for families wanting to slow down or expats looking for inspiration and a bit of fresh air.
If your main focus is renovation potential, the property really will suit those not afraid of a bit of mess and creativity. There’s no hiding that it needs updating—insulation, windows, kitchen, likely decor and floorings everywhere—but the structure’s got a good base and the garden is a true gift. Locals say it’s better to buy a solid old house and make it your own than live with layers of somebody else’s quick fixes.
To recap, here’s some features to keep in mind:
- Two bedrooms upstairs
- One bathroom on entry floor
- Spacious living room with large windows
- Tiled wood stove (traditional), needs checking
- Kitchen with room for table, traditional stove
- 76 sqm main living area
- Extra 92 sqm in outbuildings/bonus rooms
- Plot size about 2,468 sqm
- Old fruit trees and lilac hedges
- Patio for evening sun
- Quick drive to Visby (10-15min)
- Good privacy, not isolated
- Scope for gardening, outbuildings or even small animals
- Walking and cycling trails nearby
- Short ride to the coast
If you’re looking to put your own stamp on a Swedish country home, with Visby and all its culture, food and beaches on your doorstep but space and privacy of the countryside—this is a candidate to consider. You’d be joining both expat and Swedish families who’ve made Gotland their base for a calmer, more outdoor lifestyle. Any questions, renovation advice or help with logistics—just let me know, and maybe lets book a viewing before summer gets too busy.
