The Swedish design studio Stylt turns a remote lighthouse island into a living room – and Pater Noster on Hamneskär into a unique vacation destination for 18 guests. Who would check in with you?
Often you wish people who annoy you were far away. Best of all on a lonely island. In this case here I would probably wish myself there for a short time: The Swedish island of Hamneskär, to be exact. Because that’s where the creative studio Stylt has given cozy design and new life to the lighthouse keeper’s accommodation. The good news first: You don’t have to swim. The best way is to go from Gothenburg to Marstrand Island and then to Koön Island, from where a transport will be organized. Depending on the weather, the island can be reached by boat or helicopter.
Pater Noster or: see more sea
Pater Noster is Sweden’s most famous and spectacular lighthouse, located on the tiny island of Hamneskär off Marstrand on the west coast of the country. The extremely dangerous waters surrounding the island have been feared for centuries, and sailors often read the Lord’s Prayer – Latin Pater Noster – when their ships approached the dangerous reefs. The lighthouse, built in 1868, was then given the name Pater Noster in homage to the prayers of the sailors. Although the island was considered uninhabitable, a house was built for the lighthouse master, his family and his staff. For almost 110 years generations of lighthouse keepers and their families lived in this extreme environment, taking care of the lighthouse, rescuing shipwrecked sailors and creating their own small and isolated society. Can be done, but must have been a matter for volunteer hermits in their time. Who would be surprised that the location is about to become an insider tip for travelers. Responsible for this is creative lighthouse keeper Erik Nissen Johansen, founder of the design studio Stylt, who also designed the Design Hotel The Hide in Flims, and partner of the lighthouse project.
Picture perfect cozyness: Stylt once again mixes design with charming attitude.
Spread over nine guest rooms, Erik Nissen Johansen and his team created space for up to 18 guests, a restaurant, a bar and an outdoor café. In his 30 years in the hospitality industry, he has rarely experienced such a unique destination. It’s all there – the secluded location, the fantastic nature, the extreme weather conditions, the exciting history – and from 2021 onwards, great hospitality with a touch of roughness and unobtrusive luxury.
Sleep with a view. Pater Noster is just: wow.
Pater Noster: more infos
Interested in unique near-solitary? More about the insider tip spot Pater Noster can be found here paternoster.se/en
