Alright, let’s try to get all this in. So, I’m a pretty bussy real estate agent and my phone’s beeping as I write, but I really want you to get a clear picture of this country_home out here in Brøstadbotn, Norway. I work with buyers from all over the globe and I know a lot of people are looking for that “get away from it all” property that isn’t too isolated - so read on for the important info, especially if you’re from out of Norway and want to know what it’s REALLY like to live here!
The property is located at Vinjeveien 308, about 10-15 minutes drive (depending if you get stuck behind sheep!) from the small centre of Brøstadbotn. We’re in Dyrøya, which is known locally as one of the prettiest islands around this part of Troms. If you want that mix of open land, fjord views and forests, it doesn’t get much better. Life’s not fast here – it’s more about being close to nature, breathing clean air, and just having space around you. You get over 367,000 square meters of land. That’s not a typo. If you want privacy, this is a rare chance, but you can still drive in all year, so it’s not cut-off in winter (which is important in Norway, let me tell you).
The main house dates from all the way back in 1901, and yes, it’s obvious in some ways. The walls have character, you get a bit of uneven here and there and the floors sometimes squeak. I personally think that’s just part of what you buy with a house this age. It’s in good nick, been kept up quite well, and has what you need for modern living. In Norway, we don’t hide the age of a building – we say it like it is. The property is GOOD, it’s not pristine-new, but you move in and live, no need for big renovations unless you fancy updating for your own taste or doing a bit of personalising. If you want the plain truth, it’s one of those “solid bones” places with room to add your touch.
So what do you get, exactly:
- 2 bedrooms (upstairs)
- 1 bathroom (functional, normal, not spa luxury but solid)
- Wood-burning stove in living room
- Fitted kitchen (room to invite a friend or two for coffee)
- Big windows with sea and mountain views
- Practical layout (about 64 square meters inside)
- Outbuildings – barn, old garden room, storage
- Big maintained garden space around the home
- Large patio/terrace area for outdoor eating or sunbathing (it’s Norway, grab the sun when you can)
- Furniture included (most of it)
- Water and electricity already connected
- Private shoreline, direct access to water
- Road access all year
- Freehold (full ownership)
- Boat mooring
- Fields, forest, shore – wide variety
Now, for the overseas buyers who ask me “what’s it really like to LIVE in Brøstadbotn,” here’s the low-down: this is country life, not a big city. Some things are close – there’s a grocery, bank, schools and so on in Brøstadbotn, but if you want shopping malls or a fancy restaurant every night, it’s not that. You’re coming for the space, the privacy, and the view. Here kids still run out to pick berries or ski in the winter, neighbours wave if you meet them but you can be on your own if you want. Owning this house is about living slow, maybe keeping animals (hobby farming is common here), making bonfires, fishing at midnight, or just watching the weather roll in from your living room. It’s a good spot for families who want space for children, dogs, or even a few sheep.
Climate-wise, what should you expect? Winters do get cold (sometimes below –10°C, often snow), but Norwegians know how to deal with it – houses are built for it. You’ll have cosy evenings by the fire, bright long days in summer with midnight sun, proper colour on the trees in autumn, and real darkness and snow in winter (and those northern lights). If you’re an outdoor person – hiking, fishing, paddling, skiing – you’re all set here. In summer, you get long days and wildflowers everywhere, and even though the winters are dark, you get that feeling of peace and quiet that, honestly, not many places in the world still have.
For things to do: you’ve got hiking all around, with trails up Vinje and Kjerringkollen mountains. If you ever wanted to see the Hurtigruten ship pass by, you can spot it right from your garden on a good day. There’s excellent fishing (sea and freshwater), possibility for a boat, or even small scale farming/hobby animals with all this land. The local community is friendly and helpful – don’t be shy to ask for help with snow clearing or setting up. You’ll get used to Norwegian weather chat, too.
If you’re from another country, just remember: Norway is about being outdoors and respecting nature. Dyrøya keeps you close to that – fresh air, no crowds, a couple of neighbours, but no-one looking into your window unless it’s a moose. If you want wifi and Netflix, you can get it, but life is a little slower, and the views are constant.
To wrap up: good, honest house, fantastic land, beautiful spot for quiet living, nature, and maybe a project or two if you like outbuildings. Not city living, but for a lot of buyers, that’s exactly the point. Happy to show more photos or video for international clients, just ask.
Get in touch if you want to know the real ins and outs of life in northern Norway and what this property can offer you – I’ve got to run to my next call now but will get back to you as soon as I can!
