Room with a view: a mountain home in Geilo ski resort
Those looking for outdoor adventure or total serenity are being tempted by Scandinavian luxury lodges, writes TERRY MURDEN
On the tenth floor of Edinburgh’s glamorous W Hotel, a team of property professionals were offering affluent Scots an opportunity to buy a slice of luxury living deep in the snow-covered mountains of Scandinavia. They are armed with glossy brochures and a video of their beautifully-crafted lodges and apartments that are becoming a favoured option for those looking to buy a mountain getaway.
Lithuanian businessman Laurynas Mitkus, is co-founder of LHM, a company which manufactures the lodges and all the internal appliances and furnishings in Vilnius and transports them to Norway where they are built on land the company has acquired in some of the country’s most stunning settings. They are of a similar standard found in any top hotel. And they’re for sale at a fraction of the prices demanded in France and Switzerland.
“We were selling 10% of our homes to people in the UK and now it is 80%,” he says. “They have discovered Norway and we have shown what we can do. That’s why we are here.”
If getting away regularly to a destination that offers outdoor adventure and serenity, then Norway has a lot to offer. With direct flights from Edinburgh to Oslo, long admired for its pristine landscapes and understated elegance, Norway is now emerging as a smart alternative to the more expensive and busy Alps resorts.
The lodges come in various styles
Norway is home to some of the best ski resorts in Europe, with Kvitfjell and Geilo leading the charge. Kvitfjell, a former Olympic venue, hosts the most FIS downhill ski competitions each season. With over 30 kilometres of runs suitable for all skill levels, it’s a dream destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort’s reputation for excellent snow conditions and well-maintained slopes enhances its appeal.
Similarly, the mountain village of Geilo combines a vibrant ski culture with a family-friendly environment, making it a year-round destination. The resort features over 40 kilometres of downhill ski runs, supplemented by extensive cross-country trails. Beyond skiing, Geilo offers a range of activities including dog sledding, snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Buying a permanent residence is now within reach of those looking for somewhere they can call a home-from-home, or as an investment.
Home comforts come as standard
While prices in the premium French Alps resorts such as Courchevel and Méribel can reach €45,000 per square metre, new-build Norwegian properties offer comparable craftsmanship and lifestyle value at €10,500 per square metre.
Prices range from £635,000 to £3.59 million and the portfolio includes intimate mountain residences and expansive private cabins, each crafted with natural materials, energy-efficient architecture, and a deep respect for the surrounding landscape.
There are no residency or citizenship limits on ownership. In Geilo the cabins are typically freehold, in Kvitfjell they are leasehold, though they can be converted to freehold. There is an annual property tax of between 0.2% and 0.7% while capital gains tax is 22% and the first 10,000 NOK of rental income is tax free.
Jeremy Rollason, who heads up Savills Ski, was appointed last year to sell the properties. He’s handled about a dozen in the last 12 months and is confident that Scots buyers will see the proximity to Norway as a big attraction.
“When people visit they are blown away by the beauty of the place,” he says. “And they have a longer ski season from November to May.”
All photos supplied by Savills
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