A Local Labor of Love

At Áskot Cottages, we believe a stay should be as authentic as the landscape surrounding it. Our cottages are designed in the traditional 19th-century Nordic wooden style, a vision we developed and finalized in collaboration with a professional architect. We spent a full year in construction, choosing to build from scratch rather than importing pre-fabricated houses because we believe in the value of Icelandic craftsmanship.

Every detail of Áskot reflects our commitment to the local community. The cottages were built by local carpenters using environmentally labeled timber. Our doors and windows were crafted by specialists near Hella, featuring glass from a local Hella company. To ensure durability against the elements, we utilized weather-resistant metal cladding traditionally manufactured in Borgarfjörður, alongside locally made insulation and Icelandic-produced paint and plumbing systems.

While building locally required a higher investment, we are incredibly proud that this project benefited the community and the many local companies who worked alongside us. We are delighted with the result: a group of homes built with integrity, tradition, and a deep respect for the land. 

There is a fascinating article on Bloomberg’s site about the history of Icelands ironclad houses: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-23/the-history-of-reykjavik-s-iron-and-wood-homes