Picturesque Scandinavian archipelagos and extra-long summer days create the perfect environment for dreamy homes. Summer houses that blend smoothly into their surroundings help us reconnect with and merge into nature. But even in the long, dark winters, these homes must be destined to withstand exceptional weather conditions. The main features of these houses are the abundance of light, large windows and free, minimalist interiors. This selection of 40 stunning houses defines a perfect summer escape for those Scandinavian days that seem to last forever and, at the same time, an ideal place to spend the long winter days.

Agata Toromanoff is a well-known design expert and art historian who has worked for art collectors and galleries. She has written extensively for the specialised art press and is the author of books on design, architecture and photography. In 2014 she founded Fancy Books Packaging together with her husband Pierre, fulfilling a common dream of making illustrated books.