Opened for travelers in September 2018, Drangar Country Guesthouse features twelve unique guest rooms and the private residence of its owners. Conveniently located just two hours from Reykjavík, Drangar sits directly on the Skógarströnd coast and is an excellent departure point for adventures in the Dalir and Snæfellsnes regions.
A former cow farm, Drangar once stood empty for over a decade, crumbling with time and weather. When the current owners acquired the property, they wanted to preserve the ambience and rugged history of the structures. Thus began a collaboration with renowned architectural firm Studio Granda, known for their design of Reykjavík City Hall and the Supreme Court of Iceland, to transform these buildings with environmental stewardship and a meticulous attention to detail.
In January 2021, Studio Granda architects Margrét Harðardóttir and Steve Christer won the Icelandic Design Award 2020 for their design of Drangar. The award jury noted:
“The project is an important example and sets the standard for an increased number of buildings, not the least in the rural areas, that call for redefinition and reconstruction due to age and new and changed roles. The weathered buildings are left more or less untouched to preserve their atmosphere and historical context. This is for example evident in the new main guest building, without windows and doors the old outer walls stand open and raw, doubled with interior walls that allows for an impressive play with shadows and rhythm, thus enhancing their architectural quality and aura. The interior areas and spaces are framed with warm oak and colors. Colors in different tones and textures are used to give a nod to the former use of the farm buildings, be it the color of bovines or the glossiness of tractors. Detailing is of great quality, materials framing the spaces together around the life within.”
The décor of the guest rooms honors the story of the old cow farm. The detached Tractor Shed, which once stored farm equipment, is now home to four brightly colored, tractor-themed rooms that share a warm and modern kitchen. The striking Cow Barn houses eight distinctive cow-themed rooms that peer out across the islands or nearby mountains. All rooms include an en suite bathroom and guests are met with a sweeping ocean view at the breakfast buffet in the dining room.
Drangar Country Guesthouse warmly welcomes those with a keen interest in architecture, design, and environmental sustainability, along with travelers who simply want to indulge in a premium experience in remote and tranquil surroundings. The owners and their family proudly take care of day-to-day operations, leading to intimate, personalized hospitality and service. It is not unusual that in a single day, all family members will be called upon by guests for their knowledge and expertise, especially since they have their roots in nearby Stykkishólmur. The hosts skillfully provide suggestions for activities, tours, and sightseeing in the Snæfellsnes, Dalir, Borgarfjörður, and Westfjords regions.
You can book a stay at Drangar Country Guesthouse here! Which room would you be most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!
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