An oasis of peace and quiet - Skallerup Klit - host article

An oasis of peace and quiet - Skallerup Klit
Karen og Svend bought Klitgaarden in 1990 - an old property with 15 acres of land.

Svend had a big wish to return to Klitten, where he had grown up, and Karen should of course join him. Here, they were going to enjoy the nature and the ocean. Karen was a school teacher at the local school and Svend had a small business.

Most of the land was rented out, but a part was vacant. Karen and Svend bought some cows that could graze the area. Later, pigs came along as well, and Svend became a farmer. It was lovely for him to work in the free nature.

Karen was still working her job as a teacher, which she loved. One day, Karen got sick and it stopped her from doing her job. Karen stayed at home for a few years and fortunately got better, but it bothered her daily that she could not return to her job.

The farm got a new roof and two rooms and a living room were set up under it. One day, Karen read that farmhouse hosts were needed, and she thought that it might be a good idea to rent out the two rooms over the summer. Svend thought, it would be nice, so in 2000 the couple started a Bed and Breakfast in the two rooms in the summer months.

The farm got renewed life. Ocean, beach, nature, peace, and quiet was a big hit for kids as well as adults. The children thrived with pets and good opportunities for playing.

Not just Karen, but Svend as well, liked having guests around. The children flocked around him, when the ponies came out from the stable. Svend has a big patience and he is good at talking to children. After coziness and horse back riding, the children would often enter the kitchen to get a toast or a piece of cake.
Everything went well with their Bed and Breakfast, and after a couple of years, Klitgaarden was open all year long.

When it was time to change the roof on the barn and stables, Karen and Svend discovered that you had an ocean view on that side. Then came the dreams - apartments with an ocean view - maybe it was doable…

Karens sister is an architect, and when they told her about the dreams, she said: I will help you - you have got to invest in something beautiful and planned. She came, drawed and applied for permits.

It ended out with 4 big apartments, whereof 3 are handicap friendly. In 2005, the apartments were finished, and in 2012, Karen and Svend was awarded the Handicap Prize, which they deservedly are very proud of.

A big greenhouse on 35 m2 was build. Here, the guest can find shelter for wind and rain. Enjoy a board game, reading and quality time with the other guests.
Outside, barbeques are held and spices for dinner can be gathered in the raised bed. When the grapes in the greenhouse are ripe, those can be picked and eaten as well.

There has to be space for adults and especially children, who has a big place in Karens teacher heart. A lot of families return year after year. The most important thing for Karen and Svend is that the guest are happy and satisfied. The place has to been clean and nice. The couple's guestbook witnesses that they have succeeded:

Dear Karen and Svend
Retreat… That was the word, my brother used after having stayed here. He is right. Retreat… The shoulders are lowered, the pulse as well. The breaths gets deeper and the wrinkles are smoothed out, the smile becomes alive again. It is like coming home. Thank you for showing us how nice and relaxing a summer vacation for mother and children can be. We are already excited for our stay next year.

Another guest wrote:

Dear Karen and Svend,
Such a peace and quiet settles, when you are visiting you, which is the reason why we - a whole year in advance - book a week in July every year. Beautiful nature, lovely food and lots of activities - but the big difference is the two of you - and the atmosphere you create - just by being there. Thank you for this time and we will see you again.