They set off for Los and found happiness

The family wanted to move somewhere where there was a lot of space and natural beauty. They had looked at houses in both France and Norway, but as they spotted the advertisement for the big Hälsinge farm house located in Los, Sweden, they already knew it had something special to offer. So they rented a motor home that same summer to see the house with their own eyes. Once there, they found it was better than they ever could have imagined, so they sold their house in the Netherlands and moved to Sweden in September 2007. Two horses and a dog also accompanied the Dutch family.
- “Everything went so fast, we had not even checked if there was a school or a supermarket in the village, so we were pleasantly surprised when we discovered that this service exists", says Sigrid.  

The family has been very well received in Los, many see them as a real boost for the district. The couple, who previously both worked as teachers in the Netherlands, have not only transformed the Hälsinge farm house into a bed and breakfast. Hans also runs a shop on the farm where he sells antiques and art made with his own hands.
 
Thanks to their various activities, the Geijtenbeeks have met many Swedes, something which has been important to them.
- "We moved to Sweden to take part of the country, people and culture here. That´s why it´s important for us to socialise with Swedish people", says Sigrid who enjoys inviting her neighbours over for coffee.  

They are not affliocted with homesickness, since they stay in touch with friends and family via the Internet and have access to Dutch TV channels. And, as Sigrid points out, when they are needed by Dutch relatives it is easy to simply catch a plane to the Netherlands. There's only one thing they wish for:
- "We want more tourists here," concludes Sigrid and laughs.

Text and photo: Lina Hultin