Dalarna - Sweden's Secret

By Philip Hann

Think you know about all the property hotspots by now, think again. Philip Hann investigates the Dalarna area of Sweden, and finds a lot more that he bargained for.

January, it's all about new beginnings. Are you property hunting this year? Have you got a short list of countries that tick all the boxes when it comes to retirement or maybe the decision has already been made? There is one country that probably hasn't made many peoples list ... Sweden and in particular the Dalarna area in Central Sweden.

A few months ago I was contacted by Trevor Jones who was brimming with enthusiasm for his new life in Sweden and wanted to share with me in his words 'Europe's best kept secret'. I'm sure that like me your first reaction is that surely he must be talking about one of the most expensive countries in Europe, hardly a Mecca for retirees. However Trevor was soon able to put me straight. Sweden is expensive but the beautiful area of Dalarna is amazingly well priced even though it contains some of the most stunning scenery in the country. In October of this year I flew to Sweden to meet Trevor and his charming wife Joan to see just what Dalarna has to offer!

Trevor and Joan came to consider Sweden after numerous family visits as his son had married a Swedish girl and the family had settled there. They had been considering moving overseas, so the decision was made to sell the UK house, pay off the mortgage and clear all debts. They found this amazing 5 bedroom house overlooking a lake in a small town called Smedjebacken (just a 2 hour train ride north of Stockholm) The most incredible thing about the house was the price, an unbelievable £53,000!

The fact is that property in the Dalarna area is surprisingly less expensive compared to anywhere else in Sweden. The area is amazingly diverse with over 1000 lakes and numerous forests and the scenery is quite breathtaking. Nearly everyone speaks English (even imported English and American TV programmes have Swedish subtitles) and people are friendly and welcoming, delighted to engage and practice their foreign language skills. To quote Trevor, " You just don't feel like you're in a foreign country. For me it held the excitement of being overseas with none of the fear and unfamiliarity of finding yourself in totally unfamiliar surroundings floundering with your lack of language skills".

Sweden has four very distinct seasons. The summers are warm but never hot and unbearable. Winters are cold, but the air is dry and crisp without the wet weather we experience in the UK, indeed there is a ski station only a 30 minute drive away. Best of all a white Christmas is normally a dead cert. Most importantly the Swedes are prepared for winter with roads grited and snowtyres are compulsory so that everything functions normally unlike in the UK where the whole country grinds to a halt in bad weather. Swedish houses are well insulated and built to withstand the cold. Autumn, at the time of my visit, tends to be the most spectacular time of the year, with the trees changing colour to magnificent reds and golds. Spring is a time of renewal when the countryside bursts into life with blossom covering the landscape. Trevor explained to me that because of the purity of the air the area was excellent for retirees with health problems.

Moving to Sweden means that you leave behind endless traffic jams, queues, pollution and find this huge green open space where you can breathe (Insight Guides Sweden). Activities in summer are endless and outdoor living begins in earnest. Boating, cycling, fishing and walking to mention but a few. In winter both downhill and cross country skiing
are nearby.

But isn't the cost of living expensive I hear you cry. Trevor assured me this wasn't the case and a common misconception.

Surprisingly his weekly super-market shop is cheaper than in the UK. As you would expect healthcare is first class and as both Sweden and the UK are in the EU reciprocal arrangements exist. Most importantly EU membership allows for UK residents who are looking to be domicile in Sweden to be able to purchase property.

Meeting Trevor and his lovely wife Joan and seeing that they are both really relishing their retirement was extremely inspiring. They have found this beautiful spot on our planet and feel compelled to let others know that they too can find the good life, Dalarna really is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!

TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Why not find out for yourself! Trevor is offering two nights accommodation with dinner and breakfast in totally separate accommodation within his property. The accommodation comes with a separate shower and sauna. The cost of the two-day stay is £295 for two people; Trevor will act as your guide, take you on property viewings and show you what the area has to offer.

Contact Trevor, Trevor.jones@telia.com

CONTACTS:

Trevor Jones
www.swedenforachange.com

Darlana Tourist Board
www.darlana.se

Swedish Tourist Board
www.visitsweden.com

Svenskfast Estate Agents
www.svenskfast.se

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