House of Bothania: Norway’s Hidden Sanctuary of Transformation
Tucked away on the southwest coast of Norway, where forests meet farmland and the sea provides a constant backdrop, sits the House of Bothania, a retreat redefining the intersection of art, fragrance and wellness. What was once a simple farmhouse has been transformed into a destination that invites guests to pause, reflect and immerse themselves in the experience of change.
The vision belongs to Silje Engelstrand Natland, an artist and therapist who describes herself as a “modern-day alchemist.” She has long believed that the act of transformation lies at the core of true creativity. At Bothania, her work blends craniosacral therapy, hypnotherapy, energy practices and resonance medicine into a philosophy that feels both ancient and contemporary.
Fragrance is central to this philosophy. The Alchemist Series, a line of perfumes and oils created in Norway, is designed to spark memory and awaken emotion through what Natland calls “bioenergetic frequencies.” Each fragrance is intended not only to delight the senses but also to ground, clarify or expand consciousness. “Fragrance is not simply about indulgence,” Natland explains. “It is a key to transformation.”
The property reflects this ethos. Visitors encounter the Alchemist Garden, divided into seven symbolic zones for meditation and reflection. A stable has been converted into a serene space for yoga and sound healing, while a glass-walled studio provides solitude for writers and creatives. Even the Butterfly House carries symbolic weight, celebrating metamorphosis as a natural law of life.
Since acquiring the estate in 2018 with her husband, Aage, Natland has steadily expanded Bothania’s reach. The Alchemist Set, launched in 2022, combined seven perfumes with a set of guided cards. The following year, Bothania reintroduced itself with a stronger global outlook, and by 2024, retreats were scheduled in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Belgium.
Sustainability has always been part of the journey. The perfumes are vegan and cruelty-free, crafted with ethanol sourced from Norwegian forests. For Natland, the ethical choices matter as much as the creative ones. “Transformation cannot be spoken of without considering how we live on the earth,” she says.
Today, Bothania is extending its vision beyond wellness into culture. The retreat has been announced as an official Bronze Category Sponsor of the National Film Awards 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of film and television. Natland sees the partnership as a natural fit. “At House of Bothania, we believe that true artistry begins with transformation of self, of story and of the world around us,” she says. “We are excited to partner with the National Film Awards, as both film and fragrance have the power to move us, awaken memories and inspire new ways of seeing. We are honoured to support an event that celebrates creativity and vision, while also aligning with our mission to weave well-being and conscious living into everyday life.”
With new launches such as Luminessence and the Womb Weaver Card Deck scheduled for later this year, the House of Bothania is set to further expand its influence. Yet for those who have walked through its symbolic gardens or sat in stillness within its studios, the essence of Bothania is found not in product launches or partnerships but in the quiet, personal experience of transformation.
For more information, visit houseofbothania.com
