Smens Gårdar is a family venture persued by us, Annah & Alex and our two sons. When we first started the business back in 2017 the children were still in nappies and the business has grown and matured over the years, as have we all.
We started off with Hästgården, which has now been running since 2018. The number of celebrations and happy get togethers hosted for guests have been an icredible journey for the whole family, and build on the rich history of this old country house.
The horses at Hästgården mean both guests and us as a family spend much time down at the large horse barn with surrounding fields. The events at the barn grew organically, starting out as very bespoke one off events to celebrate special occasions such as proposals, the venue for artist exhibitions and special celebratory meals. As well as our ultimate family passion – all things horse related.
In 2020 a yoga teacher reached out for a retreat and the space down at the barn was the natural choice for a yoga studio. By now this is a feature every summer season. We have been doing summer sleeps in the barn as a family from the very beginning of our journey in Dalarna and in 2023 we opened up the barn for one night stays for guests that enjoy the magic of falling asleep to the horses gentle movements and waking up to a session on the yoga mats in the morning light.
Our concept of bespoke gatherings and celebrations became popular and when Gammelgården came on the market in 2021 it was the perfect opportunity to expand. This property is everything we could have ever wanted from a true Dala country house. Only minutes from the beloved cross country ski tracks, a stones throw from two lakes and surrounded by three nature reserves, it is a real gem. Some careful restorations have brought the property into modern day comforts, with three bathrooms and a new state of the art cooker – all while still retaining the original fetures of the house throughout. Like any labour of love, it has had its challenges, but it is all that more rewarding to open up for the spring/summer season 2024 with everything in place.
During summer 2020 we came across the amazing concept of camping in the trees. As a family we had spent much time deliberating if we liked the idea of camping or not. We came to the conclusion that camping per se was everything we loved – nature, fresh air and sitting around the fire at night with a deck of cards and loved ones. What we werent so sure about was all the prep work and logictics around it. We also felt the concept of glamping often included too many other guests and not enough of our beloved untouched nature. And so the concept of Tree Stays was borne. All the magic of camping, without the hassle of having to organise any gear or prep. Just turn up, sit back and enjoy the unspoilt nature.
The horses and animals at Hästgården have also grown and expanded organically. We started off with two horses, which have now grown to five. In addition we have three wonderful sheep and two cats. The sheep and cats are only for the guests at Hästgården and the Barn, but the horses travel happily on their horse bus to take guests out for hacks at all of our offerings. Why not book a beach ride and swim with the horses in summer, or sledge behind the ponies in winter.
As any family business, we pour our life and soul into making each and every guest stay special and memorable. Many of our guests are guests turned friends, and as a family we are all very grateful for the journey Smens Gårdar is taking us on.
If you have any questions or would like to plan your perfect get together, we are always delighted to hear from you.
You can call us directly on +46(0)736462932
