Paper short abstract:

Recently new villa owners have renovated and reconstructed the classicistic building style from 1920s while the reputation of the suburb has improved. The aim is to discuss this renewal with references to sustainable living, homemaking, recognition of cultural heritage and gentrification.

Paper long abstract:

Villas in old fashion styles have been more attractive on the house market during the latest decades in Sweden. But why do many people appreciate to buy old houses instead of new build ones? What kind of expectations do they have about homemaking, repairing and sustainable consumption? The aim is to discuss the impact of reevaluating young families have had when they bought and renovated old villas in the beginning of the 21th century through their enthusiasm for reconstruction of the classicistic style from 1920s. Has it something to do with a contemporary trend about sustainable living, while the reputation of a villa suburb in Gothenburg was improved? The analysis also includes interplay between the ideal of interiors and contemporary imaginations of cultural heritage. Do the new inhabitants know anything concerning the biographies of their old houses? Do they see themselves as inheritors or influencers? It is notable that different generations have been living in this neighborhood; workers who build the houses; re-newers with functionalist ideals; creative class with low expectations of comfort; re-renovators with creative homemaking ambitions. Each generation has made efforts for realization of their dreams for good living. It is obvious that this development is similar to other working class areas where gentrification trends are visible in Sweden and elsewhere. However, analyses regarding common villa suburbs with recognitions of cultural heritage are astonished rare.