Picture this. You stand before Skönstavik a historic farmstead in southern Stockholm. Its main building likely dates back to the late 1700s. Skönstavik whispers tales of a bygone era. It was once part of the larger Stora Skönndal estate.
Skönstavik’s name means “beautiful bay”. This refers to its location on a northwest-facing inlet of Lake Drevviken. The name perfectly captures the serene beauty of its setting. Today two structures remain. The original main house stands proudly. A separate wing built in 1857 once housed the farmhands. A charming well cover from the late 1800s adds to its charm. It was moved here from another location. Even the farm’s cellar remains near the Drevviken promenade. Parts of an old dock can still be seen.
Skönstavik’s main house resembles Skönndalsbro’s “Sjövilla”. They were probably built around the same time. This was likely when County Governor J M Stridbeck acquired Stora Skönndal in 1792. Around 1800 Consul Jacob Röhl lived here. His daughter the artist Maria Röhl was born at Skönstavik.
In 1860 Skönstavik was separated from Stora Skönndal. City clerk CG Hierzell became its owner. He renovated the main house. He kept the original layout including three Gustavian-style porcelain tile stoves. The front gable and open veranda overlooking the lake were possibly added then.
In the late 1870s gravedigger GA Råström bought Skönstavik. During World War I he modernized the main house adding a bathroom and central heating. The floor plan was also altered. At that time Skönstavik extended between present-day Perstorpsvägen and Sköndalsvägen. It also included land along the Drevviken shore. The farm stayed in the Råström family for three generations. Even in 1938 Robert Råström’s grandson still farmed the land.
During World War II the house was occupied by reserve soldiers. Afterward it stood empty falling into disrepair. In the 1950s the area was planned for development. The land down to Drevviken was designated as a cultural reserve. The plan was approved in May 1958. The slopes around Skönstavik were then built up with terraced and row houses.
In 1959 architect Gösta Åbergh and his wife Eva acquired Skönstavik. They restored the main house. They returned the floor plan to its original simplicity. They converted the wing into an architect’s office. During the 1960s they added new sheds and garages designed by Åbergh. The property was sold in January 2007 for four million crowns. In 2008 the wing became a separate property Skönstavik 2. The main house Skönstavik 3 underwent another renovation. Its yellow facade became white. The open veranda was enclosed with glass.
Skönstavik’s significance is recognized. It’s part of a culturally valuable area designated in Stockholm’s general plan. In 2008 Stockholm City Museum classified Skönstavik as particularly valuable from historic cultural environmental and artistic viewpoints. The museum notes its high experiential value. It’s an important historical record representing preserved buildings from the older agrarian landscape of the outer city. Its proximity to Lake Drevviken creates a holistic environment of great importance to the cityscape. Skönstavik stands as a testament to Stockholm’s rich past a place where history and nature meet.