On the island of Ærø, surrounded by rolling fields, sea air and winding country roads, lies Gravendal – an old family estate transformed into a quietly atmospheric bed & breakfast. Here, food, ceramics, furniture and people meet naturally, woven together by a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, nature and genuine hospitality.
Both Mette Meldgaard and Marianne Viktor come from western Denmark, although Marianne spent some years in Copenhagen, before settling on Ærø seven and four years ago respectively. Ærø is a small island of around 6,000 inhabitants, located in the South Funen Archipelago in the heart of Denmark.
Mette runs Gravendal’s bed & breakfast, while Marianne works nearby from her ceramic and design studio. Their practices may appear worlds apart, one rooted in food, the other in design, yet they quickly discovered a shared philosophy: creating spaces and experiences that bring people together.
It began, quite simply, around the table. A good meal calls for thoughtful objects – plates, bowls, cups – but Mette and Marianne quickly realised that they also shared a deeper appreciation for the meaningful collaboration itself: the kind where people come together from different backgrounds, lift together, and create something greater than the sum of its parts.
“Marianne is exactly the kind of person you want to stand beside,” says Mette. “Ever since we were introduced through a mutual friend, I’ve felt that we are very like-minded – that we see the world in much the same way.”
Marianne smiles at the thought.
“Mette cooks in a way that makes you feel special – and honestly, that feeling is there even if she’s simply serving you a cup of coffee. The appreciation for authenticity, for craftsmanship and the stories behind things, and the joy of bringing people together – that’s something Mette and I truly share. Perhaps we even share a mission? Because when someone creates something beautiful, surely others should have the chance to enjoy it too.”
That sense of care extends into every corner of Gravendal. Mette’s cooking is guided by the seasons and by what the island itself provides – local produce, wild herbs, ingredients shaped by the surrounding landscape. The interiors reflect the very same philosophy.
“Over time, I’ve become much more conscious about choosing fewer, better things,” Mette explains. “It’s never about quantity. It’s about quality, atmosphere and the stories objects carry with them.”
Throughout the house, vintage furniture sits alongside carefully selected contemporary pieces. Many of the older items once belonged to friends or family members who no longer had space for them, yet could not bear to part with them entirely.
“They were simply too beautiful to throw away,” Mette says. “I love the idea that these objects continue their lives here.”
The atmosphere is understated, warm and deeply personal – a place designed not to impress, but to make people feel at home.
Among the newer additions are the grey, black and red chairs designed by architect Dan Svarth for A. Petersen. Crafted by the family-owned woodworking company Hudevad on Funen, the chairs are made from locally sourced ash wood from Funen and nearby Langeland.
The connection to local production immediately resonated with both women.
For Marianne, whose own work is grounded in materials and craftsmanship, the chairs felt like a natural extension of Gravendal’s spirit. Through her introduction, Mette discovered A. Petersen – and with it, furniture that mirrors her own approach to hospitality: thoughtful, tactile and rooted in place.
Over the years, friendship has evolved into creative collaboration. This summer, Marianne is hosting a new pop-up shop at Gravendal, opening in one of the estate’s side buildings.
Here, Marianne’s ceramics will be shown alongside a curated selection of furniture from A. Petersen – an extension of the experience that is now Gravendal. An experience shaped by food, objects, conversation and the quiet luxury of feeling welcome.
Facts
Gravendal is open year-round. If you are looking for more than just a stay, Mette also hosts foraging walks, hiking experiences and special curated stays. Bookings can be made directly through Gravendal’s website: gravendalbedandbreakfast.dk
More information about Marianne Viktor’s interior design and ceramics: studiomarianneviktor.com
Discover more about Ærø here: visitaeroe.dk
Photos by Ærø-based photographer Bastien Méraud
