Alright, let me tell you about this property – actually, I don’t have a lot of time so I’ll just get right to the point since I’m juggling a couple of international clients today, but here goes! For those who are looking for a place that’s not just a cabin in the woods but something you can really use and enjoy, this one at Kvernåa hytteområde 64 in Ljørdalen absolutely deserves your attention. If you are considering somewhere in the Norwegian mountains – honestly, as an agent for a global real estate agency, I see a lot of properties, and cabins like this don't come up all that often at this price and in this location.
Let’s start with what it’s actually like. This chalet was built in 1974 and has been looked after over the years, so you’re not going to have to start gutting it before moving in (thank god). It’s sitting on a hillside, so you do get really decent views and you’re not surrounded by lots of other cabins—it’s private, but not isolated. With 53 square meters divided between the main cabin and an annex, you’ve got space for a small family, a couple, or even if you just want a mountain hideaway for yourself and a few guests every now and then.
The main living area is cozy and practical. There’s a fireplace which, if you’ve stayed in Norway in autumn or winter, you know you’re going to appreciate. After a long day outside hiking, skiing, or whatever, a good fire is pretty much essential, and it really makes the space feel welcoming on cold evenings. There’s enough room for everyone to sit around after dinner. The kitchen isn’t huge, but it’s got what you need: space for food prep and all the basics covered. You can cook proper meals, nothing fancy unless you like to, but it gets the job done.
There are two bedrooms, both totally usable, nothing massive – you’re not living in a palace here, but you know, that's mountain cabin life. You could fit bunk beds for kids in one and have the other as a master or maybe use both for grown-ups or guests. The bathroom is functional and in good shape; shower, toilet, the essentials. There’s also running water and electricity (not every Norwegian cabin has that, believe it or not), so you’re sorted no matter what season you come in.
A real bonus is the annex – this is about 12 square meters more space. If you need a bit of extra storage for skis, boots, your snowmobile kit, or you want to make it into a games room or a TV area for the kids, this is ideal. Or maybe you’ve got a hobby you want a bit of space for – honestly, it’s just useful.
If you’re moving with kids or planning to have friends over, you’ll really appreciate the outdoor space. There’s about 1,000 square meters of land, which is a lot of room for the area. Plenty of space for BBQs, sitting out with a book, even just to let the kids run around without annoying the neighbours or worrying about traffic. There’s a big terrace too, so in the summer you can eat outside or just hang out with a coffee overlooking the views. You won’t use it much in January, but from spring onwards it’s brilliant.
The area is famous for its outdoor activities. If you are into cross-country skiing, the trails are only 300 meters from the door. In summer, hiking, fishing, swimming—all that is on your doorstep. If you want alpine skiing, Fulufjellet Alpine Center is 10 mins by car, and Trysil’s big resort isn’t too far either. Plus, there are marked snowmobile trails crossing the Swedish border, so if that’s your thing, you’re covered. Basically, you never run out of things to do here – winter or summer – and if you just want peace and quiet, it’s honestly about as quiet as it gets, apart from the odd snow scooter now and again.
Living in Ljørdalen, you get four proper seasons. Winters are cold and snowy – you have to like real winters – and in summer you get long days, loads of sun (at least by Norwegian standards), and the air feels so clean. A lot of cabins here are used as second homes, so at times it gets a bit lively but mostly it’s peaceful and tidy. Grocery runs aren’t a nightmare either; Ljørdalen village is a short drive for the basics and Østby’s not far either. If you need a big shop or a night out, Trysil is about 40 mins by car – not impossible, but you do need a car here. Oslo is about three hours, so you can even do weekends if you want.
What I totally get a lot from buyers abroad is they want to know if you can just move right in or if you’re in for a project. So to be honest, this property is in good shape. Of course, you can always upgrade bits, maybe do some decorating to update it to your taste, but it’s not one of those places where you turn up and it rains through the roof the first night. It has an F energy label—not the best, so if you want to save on bills, you might look at improving insulation or adding a heat pump, but it works fine as it is.
Here’s a quick summary of main features:
- 2 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- Living room with fireplace
- Annex for storage or extra room
- Outdoor terrace, about 47 sq m
- 1000 sq m plot (large for the area)
- Runing water and electricity
- Short walk to ski tracks
- Large windows with hillside views
- Built 1974, well-kept
- Freehold ownership
- Parking space
- Kid-friendly outdoor area
- Nearby hiking and fishing spots
- Calm location, not isolated
- Energy label: F
Living in a chalet in Norway, especially here, is about enjoying nature in all seasons – snow in winter, green mountain views in summer, and the kind of fresh air you just don’t get in cities. It’s not super luxurious, but that’s not what people usually want here. It's about getting back to the basics, having fun with family and friends, indoors and outdoors, and just slowing down when you want to. If you're an expat or coming from abroad and looking for a getaway where you can actually get away, this place is worth a look.
I don’t have tons of time for a long sales pitch, so if you want a place where you can really enjoy the Norwegian outdoors, don’t hesitate to ask me for more info. This isn’t a palace, but it works, and what more do you really need when you're in the mountains?
