Thulinska villan

In 1903, a magnificent villa emerged along the Saltsjöpromenaden. This is the Thulinska villan, also known as Villa Gistra. It stands as a testament to the vision of ship owner, Carl Gustav Thulin, and the architectural genius of Carl Westman. Thulinska villan isn’t just a building. It’s a story etched in wood and stone. The villa’s original name, Gistra, whispers a tale of romance. It was named after Thulin’s wife, Helena Gistrén. The address books from 1926 reveal she remained in the house even after her husband’s passing in 1918, keeping the spirit of Gistra alive within the Thulinska villan’s walls. Westman, renowned for his work in Saltsjöbaden, crafted this 2 1/2-story masterpiece in the early National Romantic style, with delicate touches of Art Nouveau. The villa’s dark, wooden facade, accented with crisp white trim, stands in stark contrast to the vibrant, firebrick red of its tiled roof. This striking color combination gives Thulinska villan a distinct personality. Notice the irregular stone blocks forming the foundation, a testament to the natural beauty of the landscape. A diamond-shaped bay window juts out from the gable facing the street, a whimsical detail echoed in other Westman designs of the period. Beneath it, a cave-like, round-arched cellar entrance adds an element of mystery. These features, borrowed from American villa styles, hint at Thulin’s worldly influences. Westman didn’t stop at the exterior. He also designed the interiors and furnishings of this luxurious home, ensuring a harmonious blend of form and function. Down by the water’s edge, a well-preserved bathhouse offers a glimpse into the leisurely lifestyle enjoyed by the Thulin family. Today, Thulinska villan stands protected. It’s designated with a “q-marking” in the city plan, safeguarding it from demolition and preserving its cultural and historical significance. Even the surrounding land holds historical weight. In the early 2000s, plans for new housing on the property were rejected to protect Thulinska villan’s historical value.