A little-known village in the heart of central Sweden – regarded by Swedes as the most beautiful in their country – is attracting UK buyers seeking both a ‘rural idyll’ in summer and a long ski season in winter.
A tranquil lake surrounded by forest-clad hills, flower meadows, streams, log cabins and ancient wooden farm buildings are features of the picturesque farming village of Klövsjö where many of the buildings date back to the sixteenth century.
On the edge of the village – just one hour by car on the road from the airport at à–stersund – Cheltenham-based agent Grosvenor Overseas Ltd is selling year-round holiday homes in a small development of just 12 two-bedroom apartments which comprise the second phase of the Secret Mountain resort development.
The properties are less than 500 metres from the shore of the two kilometre long Lake Svartà¥stjà¤rnen where summer leisure facilities planned range from fishing and swimming to sailing and canoeing.
Says Roy Smith of Grosvenor Overseas, “This is a rural idyll for second-home buyers seeking an away-from-it-all location where they can enjoy the peace, quiet and beauty of what Swedes call ‘the nature,’ as well as outdoor pursuits like hiking, riding, rock climbing and mountain biking.”
Next summer, coinciding with the opening of miles of mountain biking trails, a new ski lift will be in place to take bikers and hikers to the top of the mountain.
An 18-hole championship golf course five kilometres from the resort is one of three nearby. During the summer months, when the sun never sets, golfers can tee-off at midnight.
“Our long-term aim is to create a resort with special appeal for families,” says Roy who believes investors also will be attracted by the way in which the rental income from a two-bedroom apartment let throughout the 18-week ski season – quite feasible thanks to SkiStar and Neilson which offer holidays at Secret Mountain – can be expected to generate an income of up to £8,000.
“That will more than cover annual outgoings on the property,” says Roy who is quoting prices ranging from £149,600 to £165,500.
Secret Mountain www.secretmountainsweden.com