Nestled among lush greenery and mature trees, the historic clergy house Gillberga Prästgård stands peacefully in a small village in western Värmland County, Sweden. Built in 1917, this charming home has been the residence of Roya Sarvestani and her husband since 2022.
“We always dreamed of finding an old house in the Swedish countryside. It took us many years, but the first time we laid eyes on this one, we knew – this was it. It has a soul of its own and offers a place for both festive gatherings and tranquil everyday life.”
The clergy house was built in 1917.
Roya Sarvestani has a background in the music industry and as a writer. On Instagram, she shares glimpses of her life – from interiors and gardening to photography and personal moments.
“I’ve moved around a lot throughout my life. My husband is American, and when he relocated to Sweden, we wanted to find a place that felt like our own little world – somewhere we could live, create, and grow. We’re both very creative and love to invite friends and family over.”
Three things that are dear to Roya Sarvestani: brass chandeliers, oil paintings and flowers from the garden.
Heart of the Home
“Our garden is made up of different ‘rooms’. Neatly trimmed hedges and structured lines meet wild perennial borders and a kitchen garden. We’re constantly discovering new corners,” Roya explains.
What is your favourite part of your home?
“I love our kitchen and hallway. Our kitchen table came from my grandmother’s childhood home in Medelpad, up in northern Sweden. Sitting there, the view from the window is like a painting. As for the hallway, many visitors enjoy pausing there. The high ceiling and chequered floor give it a romantic feel.”
Roya and her husband loves to invite friends and family over for dinner.
Meaning and Memories
Roya describes her approach to home décor as creating small “worlds” within the house – spaces that evolve over time. Today, her style leans towards the poetic, grounded, soulful and homely.
“Everything is carefully selected – there’s a reason behind where each object is placed. I want our home to feel inviting, with a blend of styles, objects and art from different periods.”
The garden is both wild and structured.
Around the house, you’ll spot oil paintings, sculptures, and brass light fittings adorning the walls. There are treasures from the Swedish Grace period alongside simple handmade crafts and folk art.
“I’m inspired by art, eclectic homes, Swedish artist Karin Larsson, British country style, and French elegance – not by picture-perfect homes in magazines.”
The kitchen table comes from Roya's grandmother's home.
Favourite Finds
Roya lights up when talking about her best vintage finds: “A Gustavian-style mirror I bought at an online auction – it’s in our cloakroom and really sets the tone. Another favourite is our late-19th-century dining table, originally from a French château. It feels like it’s always belonged here.”
She’s always on the lookout for pieces that stir emotion – be it furniture, sculpture, mirror, or painting.
A lot of the flowers from the garden ends up in the house.
“Right now, I’m searching for an 1700s sofa and an ottoman,” she says.
And the one that got away? “I’ve bid on several garden fountains and lost all of them! Aside from that, there’s nothing specific – but good garden décor is hard to find.”
When it comes to designers, she mentions one in particular: “I’m very fond of Lars Holmström’s brass chandeliers. We have two in the house that we found at a great price. The craftsmanship and detailing are outstanding – I hope more people discover his work.”
Want to know more about Roya Sarvestani? Check out her Instagram page @royasarv
Get the Style
Check out our curated collection of pieces inspired by @royasarv's signature style.
)
){kind=spacer}