“It started with two hands…”. That’s how corporate success stories from idea to success are often described. In the case of Thomas Peterson, however, the clichéd quote is more of a literal truth. The land in front of Lake Eldan was indeed his, but at the beginning of the 2000s, the lake view was still a hidden secret. But that was then. Now, almost 20 years later, the water shimmers visibly from the slope in the forest, thanks to a pair of persistent carpenter’s hands.

“It took a few years of hard work, but to now see the joy that what I’ve created brings to people who come here, that is really something to live for,” Thomas remarks.

Gives a personal tour

We arrive at Thomas’s construction in the middle of a blazing high summer. Naturbyn is in high demand with bookings, but despite this, Thomas does as he always does. During check-in, he welcomes all new guests into his world with a personal tour. On this particular day, he arrives by canoe, which he has taken from his home a short distance away. Thomas shows, we follow along the woodchip-covered path and nod. It’s clear he takes service seriously. Sincerely and with his heart in the right place, he explains this and that to make our stay easier. Everything is well-organized and carefully thought out. Each guest has access to their own kitchen utensils and fridge compartment in the outdoor kitchen. But some things are shared, including the fresh natural water source that bubbles along the small stream. After a while, Thomas stops and looks up at the treetops a little way off.
“And that’s where you’ll be staying.”

Rarely has the visual impression of accommodation been so strong. So eye-catching. So surprising. We arrive as a larger group, with both other adults and children. But age doesn’t matter. We are all equally excited and childishly delighted as we walk up the path to the cabin “Ser schjönn”, ten meters up among the treetops. The treetops sway a little in the wind and it feels somewhat surreal to be so close to tall spruces so high up. The view is also faultless. From the terrace, which has been (of course) furnished with a handmade table and chairs, we see the now tranquil lake. “Ser schjönn” is undoubtedly a very pleasant and excitingly different way to stay.

A haven from the connected world

Unusual is also a fitting word for Thomas’s handmade village at large. In addition to two tree houses, the homestead in western Värmland contains three log cabins and a floating houseboat. Everything is made of wood. Everything is crafted by Thomas.

The charm and appeal, I believe, lie in its simplicity. Here it’s a haven from the connected outside world. And an opportunity to just be.

Thomas Peterson

But Naturbyn is more than just a place to stay for the night. The activities and experiences are never far away. We start our afternoon with a paddling trip on Eldan with one of the canoes included in Naturbyn’s range. The dense Värmland forest reflects in the water, framing our journey. Peaceful is just the beginning. We pass the houseboat on the way back to shore. Smoke billows from the chimney, as it often does in Naturbyn. Here, fire plays a central role. For cooking, for coffee, for sauna baths, for heating, and for coziness. And after our lake tour, the grill station is next for us. We start with the coffee. The flames dance around the pan, warming the black gold. Just boiled coffee feels luxurious, and in this setting, it becomes something extra special.

Steaming pizzas and refreshing evening swims

The coffee barely has time to cool before we wheel the next wheelbarrow filled with firewood to the grill area. Wood-fired pizza is on the evening’s menu. After a while, it’s not just the chimney over the brick-sealed outdoor oven that’s smoking. Steaming fresh pizzas transform the communal wooden hut from a lounge to the cozy dining spot for the evening. Afternoon has turned to evening and the light dims over the lake. The evening is spring-chilly rather than summer-warm but it doesn’t lessen the desire for an evening dip and sauna bath. We dive into the lake – which despite some cool weeks has reached over 20 degrees Celsius – and into the sauna in turn. Relaxed, a bit tired, but with a fresh feeling in our bodies, we crawl into bed in the cabin. Before sleep takes us, it strikes us that this is truly a unique experience we are part of. And we think at the same time: what a journey it must have been, not just for the travelers checking in, but also when everything was being created. From Thomas’s first thoughts to actual action. We take our thoughts to the primary source. – Many probably thought I was a bit crazy, haha. At the time I started this, this type of accommodation was out of fashion. It was mostly luxury hotels that were in demand and what people wanted. Today, thankfully, it looks a bit different.

Long-distance guests to Långesrud

For those who come to Naturbyn, it is primarily the experience of nature that attracts. And over the past few years, aside from an unusual 2020, people from all over the world have found their way to host Thomas’s world. However, this has not disturbed the local population in little Långserud. On the contrary.

“We operate on a small scale, and the charm for the guests lies in the peace, so if it is to grow, it must be done cautiously. However, I usually recommend guests visit our well-stocked country store, where many also turn to shop, as well as Wiksfors mill and the flourishing businesses there.”

It’s time for us to leave the village. We stop by one of the cottages on our way out. On the roof, there’s a lively growth of grass, moss, and wild strawberries. Naturally, they bear the whole imprint of Naturbyn on that roof. For here grows and thrives a unique nature experience. And it all started with a pair of persistent carpenter’s hands.