Another Round of Cozy Swedish Cottages at Good Templar Park
Are you ready for more eye candy when it comes to charming Swedish cottages nestled in the woods of Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois? Last Saturday I shared the first batch of these cozy summer houses and today it’s time to see the rest.
A couple times per year, Good Templar Park opens to non-members to tour the grounds and cottages. Each summer house is privately owned. I was able to talk to a couple of young ladies in the house above and below. This house has been in their family for many, many years and the family enjoys taking vacations here. On occasion, a cottage will come up for sale but you must be a member of the International Order of Good Templars in order to buy one.
The Swedish embellishments on the side of the cottage add to the whimsy of this place. Note the figures on the shutters.
This home was my favorite of all the Swedish cottages, although it’s truly hard to choose a front runner. One is just as charming as the next. But this one is a bit different in its style and I liked the Swedish flag banner out front.
I love all the textures of this place, from the fish scale roof tiles to the cedar shake siding to the flagstone patio. Yellow is the perfect color for the front door against the dark blue exterior. White trim gives everything a clean, fresh, look.
Here’s the back of this dark blue home.
And here’s its neighbor, with a cute mushroom painted on the window.
The park doesn’t have sidewalks, just paths and a main drive. Some of the Swedish cottages are tucked a little further back into the woods, like this one with its windowed porch. Did you see the flower garland wrapped around the horizontal tree branch? It makes an arbor type entry to the home.
I love all the unique details of each tiny house – especially the windows. I wish more homes today gave better thought to the look and placement of windows.
Good Templar Park has a lot of history. There’s even a large Viking ship on site but we didn’t view it – someday though! I think local grade schools send groups to see and learn about the ship and its history.
This is the only log cabin that I saw on the grounds. This one wasn’t open to the public.
It has a nice little side yard with a cute shed.
This little red cottage has interesting patterns in some of the windows.
Most of the homes in the park have an outdoor gathering spot.
Some more colorful than others.
Attention to detail is everywhere you look.
Owners of the Swedish cottages are proud of their heritage.
Love the Swedish wreath on the door of this cabin so I had to get a close-up photo.
In addition to Scandinavian décor, Halloween was also on display.
Color wasn’t just found on the exteriors of the tiny homes – the trees were in full display.
I hope you enjoyed seeing these Swedish cottages in the woods. If you missed it, make sure you see the first post that includes more of these cozy tiny homes.
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Very much enjoy your posts. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing. All of these cottages are so quaint and cute. How grand it would be to own one of them.
These are so cute and I enjoyed touring them. This is something I think I could go to every year. Thanks!
I thought I knew everything about one of my favorite towns on earth, but to my surprise I’d never heard of Good Templar Park. So charming! The cottages remind me of Door County , WI. Once upon a time, there were many tiny cottages tucked away in the woods there and some still stand. Most however have morphed into large houses and lost a lot of the initial quaintness. One of the Geneva cottages looked so much like one my aunt and uncle built and it took me back to my childhood. Thank you for some wonderful memories.
Hi Lindsay! Glad you enjoyed the cottages. Don’t feel too bad about not knowing – I grew up in Geneva and this was my first visit to Good Templar. LOL.
I love these cottages they are quaint and cheerful. They have that cosy, warm vibe. Thank you for sharing them with us.
They are all quaint with their own personalities. My favorite is the same as yours. Next might be the light sage green one that’s tucked underneath several trees. They are all cute though.
Oh MY! I cannot believe I have never heard of this wondrous place. I absolutely love it! Although, I must admit I’d miss having my own bathroom. But, I did grow up camping so I’m sure I’d adjust. Besides, the charming surroundings would more than make up for it. Friends of my parents did build a stuga in their backyard many years ago. I’ll have to make sure we go next fall
On a side note, my brother is actually building a replica Viking ship. He’d love it also. Have you ever been to Stockholm Inn in Rockford? The restaurant features many of Steig Larson paintings and decor in Swedish Tradition.