Pelle Svanslös's House, Uppsala

From horses to cats

In April 2003, work started on converting the county governor's former stables into the home of Sweden's favourite fictional feline Peter No-Tail (Pelle Svanslös). In one year, the National Property Board (SFV) breathed life back into this listed building in Uppsala. The value of the building lies in the fact that it has changed so little since it was first constructed.

The stables that Pelle has moved into were built in the early nineteenth century, and once housed stalls for eight horses, a carriage shed and a small barn area with stalls for seven cows. The horses left the stable many years ago and in recent decades the building was used to store building materials. The gardens became overgrown and the stables suffered occasional damage. A building that no one sees any use for always runs a great risk of going to rack and ruin.

Building in use again

The very best way to protect and preserve old buildings is to use them in an appropriate way. We therefore searched long and hard for a suitably good use for the building. As it has such a central location as well as architectural and historical value, it felt important to try and make it part of Uppsala's cityscape once more.

A number of private individuals and companies showed an interest in putting the centrally located stables to commercial use. Pelle Svanslös's House meets SFV's stated aim of bringing its properties back to life and making them accessible to the public.

Stables' value

The stables have been a national monument since 1993, and may not be demolished, moved or changed externally or in any other way. Nor may anything be done to the main structure of the building or to any existing part of the old layout. The property also includes a small area of land which has remained relatively well preserved since the stables were built. The special, protected features include a beautifully shaped wooden fence and terraces with stone walls.

Of particular note are the simple, heavy exterior and the wooden access to the hayloft at the rear of the building. However, some of the room features and the stairs to the loft are noteworthy for their original simplicity. Details such as the heavy hooks in the tack room, joinery and ironwork were preserved during the renovations.

Adapted to today's needs

To enable a commercial enterprise to be run in the stables, several major changes have been unavoidable. The most significant change is that water, waste and district heating had to be installed and the building's major height changes have been tackled by installing a lift. It is vital that the building is accessible to all, regardless of any disability.

The rustic simplicity in everything from the whole building to the smallest detail has also been preserved. The large door and window openings have been reinforced to meet new needs for security, while daylight and security are further ensured with the new entrance doors in metal and glass.