House Crashing: Iceland & Scotland Edition

Next week Sam and I are headed to California on a work trip/vacation, and it got me thinking that I never totally finished posting about our last vacation (to Iceland and Scotland in September). I did do a recap of what we did in Iceland, what we did in Scotland, and tips for traveling in both places, but at the time I also promised more photos of the amazing places we stayed (since this is, like, a home decor blog), and then I never delivered. So before we jet off to California (San Francisco for a few days for me to visit my organization’s Bay Area office, then LA to visit Sam’s brother, then camping in Joshua Tree National Park!), I thought it was high time I actually wrapped up everything related to the last trip.

First up, the beautiful apartment in Reykjavik where we stayed for three nights (found on Airbnb). Even though we arrived exhausted from a red eye flight, the moment we arrived I had a frantic photoshoot because I am just a blast to travel with. I just couldn’t help myself, it was a mid-century wonderland.

There was plenty of IKEA thrown in, but it worked so well in the space alongside many personal, unique pieces that it didn’t feel anything like a college dorm room or IKEA showroom.

There was a small dining area:

And a kitchen:

It was perfect for us, with one small bedroom off the main living space:

The accent wall along the back of the bedroom reminded me of our Black Pepper bedroom, but I like that the rest of the walls were white to keep the small space feeling bright.

Of course I took photos of the bathroom for you, dear readers.

This is such a lovely space and incredibly well-located in Reykjavik — I couldn’t recommend it more highly if you’re ever traveling to Iceland!

After Iceland we headed to Scotland, where we spent one night in an airport hotel (not the airport hotel we were expecting since we missed our connecting flight from London to Edinburgh…), and then headed to an Airbnb in Helensburgh, on the western side of Scotland near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. This apartment had a very different feel, but was so cozy and was perfect for some low-key, relaxing days.

It had a well-stocked kitchen:

And one bedroom:

But the best part was the little “solarium,” which had windows on three sides (but was still very private because it was inside a walled garden).

After some very active days, it was so nice to relax with a cup of coffee and a book in this space. Of course I grilled Sam on what he liked most about it so we could apply that to our sunroom.

We didn’t spend much time in the garden outside because it was a little too chilly to sit around outside (by our September-in-Boston standards), but in warmer months it would be the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon. I guess we’ll have to go back.

But of course no trip to Scotland would be complete if you don’t stay overnight in an actual castle.

Fortunately the whole purpose of our trip was to attend the wedding of a friend who was getting married in a castle in Scotland where the guests could stay over for the whole weekend, so we were in luck.

We arrived via a very long private driveway that — in what seems to be Scottish tradition — was only wide enough for one car.

We were pretty convinced they would take one look at us and send us away.

I guess knowing the bride and groom helps.

Fortunately all the other wedding guests seem to similarly be in awe and snapping a lot of photos, so I quickly got over my feelings of inadequacy and started documenting for you.

The front entry hall:

Sam, I am not taking a photo of you, I am taking a photo of this castle.

That’s better.

Of course we later dishonored the front hall by being truly terrible at some classic Scottish dances.

Anyway, back to the tour. There was stained glass.

And a billiard room.

And a library.

And a squash court.

And statues.

Obviously there were also llamas.

And a tower with views of Edinburgh and the surrounding countryside.

The wedding ceremony was actually held in the tower.

I went for a run one of the mornings and got some beautiful views of the grounds.

It just makes you want to play croquet, doesn’t it?

Or hold an owl.

Or a falcon.

Obviously our bedroom was amazing too.

Our bathroom was bigger than our bedroom at home.

Between the castle and our apartment rentals, we got to stay in some pretty cool places — way more interesting than hotel rooms! This made me incredibly nostalgic for our amazing trip, so I’m glad we’re escaping for another one next week! (This one strategically planned to get us out of the cold weather briefly.) I’ll be sure to share all the details when I’m back!