The house was built in 1880 and we are the fifth owners,” says homeowner Þóra Sigurðardóttir. There hadn’t been anything done to it since the ’70s, so we had plenty of work cut out for us.” Among the oldest in Reykjavík, the house was originally built as a lodging for teachers.

The house had stood empty for more than 10 years before Þóra and Völundur bought it. It had been for sale for over a year before we purchased it, which is very unusual for a house in downtown Reykjavík. It was in pretty bad shape, so I think people were put off from buying it.” But where others saw a ruin, Þóra saw possibilities.

But what Þóra and Völundur discovered when starting the renovations was that the house was very well built. It had a strong, sturdy frame and the timber was in good shape, so no major construction was needed. According to Þóra, most of what had to be done was cosmetic and conservation was a key component. We have great respect for this house. It’s a treasure, historically and personally,” she says. There are a lot of houses in downtown Reykjavík that have been completely renovated on the inside, leaving next to nothing of their original charm.”

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