This historic house is nestled in a secluded spot called Vårsta, a quiet suburb of Stockholm with a population of 2,400.
At first glance, it looks like any other home in the area—an aged tile roof, a cream-colored facade, and a well-kept garden with fruit trees. A winding path leads to a small lake just a couple of minutes away, complete with a dock for boats.
A charming countryside retreat. But what sets it apart is its extraordinary history and rare interior—a true glimpse into the past.
This house has stood for more than 100 years and remains in remarkable condition.
It was built between 1914 and 1915 by Poul Bjerre, a distinguished Swedish psychiatrist and writer. Bjerre is known for writing a biography of Nietzsche and corresponding with Freud, among his many contributions to psychoanalysis.
The house became a gathering place for artists and intellectuals of the time. Bjerre and his wife were passionate about art, sculpture, and painting, frequently hosting creative minds in their home.
This artistic spirit is evident throughout the interior—paintings and sculptures adorn every corner. And the library? A dream for book lovers and a living hell for those terrified of open shelves and dust.
From the windows, you can see the lake—just a short walk away. This waterfront area, surrounded by a small forest, is part of the estate as well.
Bjerre lived here until his passing in 1964. Thanks to his descendants, the house has remained in its original state and even opens its doors to visitors several times a month.
An important note: this is not a museum. Until recently, part of the house was still home to Bjerre’s family. But now, the property is up for sale.
It’s hard to say what the future holds for this unique place. But for now, it remains just as it was in Bjerre’s lifetime—a treasure worth seeing, even if only in photos.
The Living Room. A Step Back to the 1960s.
Even during Bjerre’s lifetime, the house was divided into two sections:
✔ A lively area—which included the workshop, the living room for hosting guests, Bjerre’s consultation office, the kitchen, and rooms for the staff.
✔ A private area—reserved for family life, where outsiders were not allowed.
This division remains intact today. Bjerre’s descendants have been living in the quiet section, which houses the bedrooms, library, bathroom, and other private spaces.
Time seems to have stood still here. Almost all the furniture dates back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The house offers many cozy spots for relaxation: two armchairs by the old fireplace, a sofa with a coffee table, and a couple of chairs at the bar counter. During Bjerre’s time, the home often accommodated 15–20 guests at once—he loved hosting social gatherings.
Bjerre and his wife were avid readers. The house features an extensive library spanning multiple rooms.
Quick Facts:
- The house covers a little over 300 square meters (3,200 square feet), including the basement. It is heated via an air-to-water heat pump system. Hot water is available year-round.
Bjerre and his wife personally decorated every room, resulting in a striking contrast in styles.
In the library and office, Bjerre’s influence is unmistakable—dark wood paneling, an abundance of bookshelves, and heavy furniture. In some other rooms (you’ll see them below), his wife’s touch is more apparent—lighter interiors with soft pastel colors.
Books are kept on open shelves, but there’s no issue with dust or mold—routine systematic cleaning takes care of that.
Bjerre’s office is located in what’s still known as the “lively” part of the house, a term that has stuck since his time.
The psychiatrist had a passion for sculpture, which explains the abundance of busts scattered throughout the house and garden. Their sheer number creates an almost eerie atmosphere.
The entire home has the atmosphere of a museum. One can’t help but wonder what will happen to the furniture, artwork, and sculptures once the house changes hands.
The doctor’s bedroom remains untouched, exactly as it was during his lifetime.
Bjerre lost his wife in the 1920s. He never remarried. For the next forty years, he lived in this house—though “alone” might not be the right word. He was always surrounded by pets (dogs), house staff, and frequent guests.
This was once a guest bedroom, decorated by Bjerre’s wife. Amazingly, nothing significant has changed in this space in almost 100 years.
Each room still features its original century-old tiled stoves, all in working order, even alongside the modern heating system.
This home is a time capsule—a mirror reflecting the era in which Bjerre lived. Is it possible to live in these historic surroundings today? Or is its fate to become a museum?
What was once the mistress’s private workspace.
In the yard, two busts stand as a tribute—one of Bjerre himself (pictured here) and another of his wife, who passed away so young.
From the outside, you’d never guess that this house holds a perfectly preserved mid-century interior, untouched for over 60 years.
And with that, our tour comes to an end. Thank you for joining us!
