The Farm
Dreams are unexpected, and often not followed. Make sure to follow your dream! We did it in 2022 and it brought us to a nice farm in Årjäng at the border of the nature reserve Glaskogen. It all happened so fast! Not seen the inside of the house, just the land, and by November 2022 we called ourselves proud owners of Mellby farm. It is now called Södra Gård.
Glamping dreams!
Every day we cannot believe that it has happened to us! We stirred ourselves towards a new life, a life that we are not familiar with. Yet, not afraid to undertake as a young family. We decided that we want other travellers to know how peaceful Sweden can be by setting up a small Glamping in the mid of the forest in combination with a permaculture life style. Unfortunately we are still in request of starting a Glamping. It is a very long process, but we do not lay back and watch the sky. The house and land have been neglected. Both give us enough work for years to rebuild and maintain!
Permaculture farmlife at Södra Gård
We have no experience whatsoever concerning farming, livestock, land, etc. None, but we are highly motivated to get some experience and to improve our way of living. We followed a great course at Heimdall’s Gård in Sweden that convinced us about permaculture and regenerative agriculture. For the moment we only focus on permaculture as it is a lot to take in for us, but we consider regenerative agriculture in every decision. His course showed us the importance of small steps, starting with the soil.
If your soil is dead, your life above will be to. And this is the case on our land. We do have grass and certain weeds, but we do not have enough life in the soil like worms, nor many birds. As we have 2 hectares of farm land at Södra Gård, we choose bit by bit of the farm to improve, step-by-step. We created a market garden close to our house, set up a greenhouse of Grohus and started a food forest. Slowly, but steady we see a change in growth and life coming back to us. Eternally grateful to help nature restore.
Permaculture farming stands for durable, endless ecosystems that provide enough food for our lives and surroundings, without overdoing it. Our aim is to create a land that supports diversity from the smallest insect to the largest tree and all in between. That we may support our guests at Södra Gård in their meals, that we grow enough food to support a year round meal on the table and that we offer a learning to the ones who are willing to learn. We know that we will never be 100% self-sufficient, but if we can reach up to 70% we would be extremely happy. One way to reach this lifestyle is to rent out our hunters cabin. The money we earn on renting out will be given back to the farm by expanding our food area, livestock or other activities on the farm. If you would like to know more about the cabin, please visit our cabin’s page.
The faces behind Södra Gård
Let's meet!
Stefan
Kimberley
Our Kids
Animals
As the man of the house he decided that it was time to start our own business in combination with a farm life. A life that would bring us more peace, joy and appreciation in the small things. We would need to move to another country to make our dreams come true, but that was not a bump on the road!
As Stefan knew, Kimberley would gladly follow him as she desired to live more free for a very long time. As impulsive as she is, she directly lay contact with Swedish estate agents and convinced Stefan to visit the current spot they live on. Within 6 months they moved from the Netherlands to Sweden.
Elin, on the other hand, had no idea of what to expect. She was only 2,5 years old and loved to be hanging out with her parents. Imagine having your parents available at all times! That is a big dream for young kids. Our youngest, Evi, is born in Sweden and starts to explore the richness she is born in.
Our dog is the oldest farm animal we currently have, but our furry and featherly family has expanded tremendously! We now own a cat, multiple chickens and many more are on the way. Each of them have a certain job at the farm (besides being cute).
Working on the farm
From the year 2025 we will offer volunteers to come and work on our farm. Here you can learn from us, help us build and expand, but most importantly, you will have a nice and cozy place to stay for a (long) holiday. We offer great bell-tents (decorated with the needed furniture), daily meals and free-time after a working day. We only ask you, in return, to help us out with projects. If you would like to know more about this exciting working holiday, please reach out to us through our contact page.