A Recipe for Quality of Life – with Öland as the Main Ingredient
Some moves are like switching from fast food to home-cooked meals – and for this family, relocating to Öland was just that: a life with more nourishment, more flavor, and more connection.
When it comes to big life changes, few take the leap quite like this family did. From the wide-open landscapes of New Zealand to a charming village on Öland – here, they found their new home, a sense of community, and a meaningful everyday life.
The Family Recipe: Love, Animals, and a Pinch of Countryside
The family consists of Alexandra, her husband Helmut, their two daughters – and not to forget: a cat, a dog, and a bunch of chickens happily roaming the garden. They live in a spacious house with a large yard, perfect for both kids and animals. They found the house on Hemnet (a Swedish website for houses and properties for sale). before the move, and it felt right from the start – close to the sea, schools, and easy for visitors to find.
“We love having space around us and being close to the sea – Öland offers both.”
From Office Life to Sourdough Dreams
When one of their daughters had trouble with store-bought bread, Alexandra began baking at home – using heritage grains and sourdough. The result wasn’t just better health for the family, but also the beginning of a small artisan bakery.
“Since I used to work in an office, I wanted to do something different – something where I could help others.”
“We don’t use any additives – just good ingredients, preferably organic and locally sourced. It feels great to help others feel better through what we bake.”
The bakery is a great example of how passion, sustainability, and entrepreneurship can rise together.
Öland – A Place with a Taste for Life
The family is thriving in their new life. Living on Öland is like being surrounded by a well-stocked pantry. Friendly people, fresh air, coastal nature, and a community where all the ingredients for a good life are close at hand. The children sometimes wish for better bus connections, but otherwise, everything they need is here.
“The weather is great, the people are kind, and there are plenty of job opportunities – especially thanks to tourism. There are many schools to choose from, and even a university.”
Thinking About Moving?
For anyone considering a move to Öland or the Kalmar region, the family has a few tips. One of them is to embrace the local offerings:
“There are so many small-scale producers here – buy local and in season! You’ll find Reko-rings in many towns, like Kalmar, where you can buy directly from producers at great prices.”