The Bramble couple from the UK had lived in the Netherlands for nine years, and their children were heading out into adult life. Julia had hinted she was ready for something new. Her husband, Iain, saw a job advertisement and said, “This is you.” The job was with Stegra in Boden, Sweden. Now, they are building their new life, and their dream home, here.
With a hearty cup of traditional English Yorkshire tea on the large oak table from the Netherlands, and a painting created together by the whole family on the wall, Julia and Iain Bramble start their day. Their two dogs, Amiee and Georgia, trot out into the garden, happily bounding towards the English Channel. But yes, this is Boden, Sweden. More specifically, Hedsvedjan, at the end of a road that doesn’t even appear on Google Maps. Here, by the final street lamps, the Brambles have found their perfect spot in the middle of life’s journey.
They bring with them years spent as Brits in the Netherlands, where their children, now 20 and 22, grew up. Julia has spent her entire career in the steel industry, while Iain, left his job as an architect to stay home with the children. Perfectly natural in Sweden, perhaps, but not so common in Europe 20 years ago. He is also a ceramic artist. And now, with the children grown up and a spacious new 172-square-meter house, plus a planned garage to add extra space, Iain is ready to fulfil his own dream – to create his own studio, teach classes, and eventually exhibit his art.
Where Past Meets Present
One of their favorite spots for walks with the dogs is the so-called English Channel, just a stone’s throw from their house. It’s a relic from Boden’s past when a British company in the 1800s attempted to dig a canal for ore transport through Norrbotten. Today, it’s green steel that Boden aims to produce, a different era and industry. But, once again, history is being written. That´s something Julia and Iain see as a new “Greenfield,” with an ethos of building something new.
Breaking New Ground
Julia describes the difference here, compared to more established companies, as a collaboration between all parts working toward the same goal, “first coil”. The first production of green steel, breaking new ground not only in Sweden and Europe but also globally.
Being part of something new was the big draw for them to take this step and start a new chapter in life. Julia’s role is to establish the new sales operations team as Head of Delivery and Business Process Optimisation. By the time production starts in 2026, she will have shaped the operation and supply chain team that both she and Stegra will need.
This Is Home
As the Bramble couple share their life story, a love for travel and new experiences shines through. A desire to support each other and embrace new opportunities as they arise. Having a plan but also capturing new dreams and making the most of life.
One wall upstairs, currently under a complete renovation, is covered with the family’s travel memories.
In their big house they’re also creating new rooms for each of the children, so they feel at home when they visit. For Julia and Iain, this place already feels like home.
“Yes, this truly feels like home now. When we visited where we used to live, we found ourselves thinking how nice it was to get back home to Boden,” says Julia.
The Dream House Was Waiting
They’ve now lived here for half a year, an intense one at that. Julia began working at Stegra right away, and Iain followed later, driving up with their belongings. Initially, they stayed in a flat in central Boden. But the plan was always to settle here for good and find a place of their own. First, they looked for a plot of land to build their dream home. In the process, they stumbled upon an existing home that was perfect for them.
“We were actually interested in the plot across the street. The same agents had this house for sale, so we wanted to get up to the second floor to see the view over the plot we had our eye on. But once inside, we knew right away that this was the house for us,” Iain recalls.
The house, built in the 1930s, has been partly restored to its original style, while they’ve also added a new entrance, repainted, and wallpapered. Currently, they’re renovating the bathroom, and a new garage is on the way. The to-do list also includes a relaxation space in the basement and further work on the garden.
Until mid-October, Julia has been cycling to work at Stegra. Ten to 12 kilometers, one way, depending on whether she is going to be at Boden Industrial Park in Norra Svartbyn or at Boden Business Park in Sävast.
“In the Netherlands, I drove on the motorway, which could take up to an hour. Each day, I had to check the traffic situation to plan my route that day. It’s wonderful not having to do that here,” Julia says.
Iain adds that if locals think traffic is bad in Boden as the town grows, it’s really nothing by comparison.
Enjoying their närhetsliv
Iain stays busy renovating the house, walking the dogs, and handling contractors for jobs he doesn’t tackle himself. And he’s enjoying this new life of proximity right outside their door.
I like running and have visited several forts around Boden,” says Iain, who’s still running in shorts in October.
The cold doesn’t bother him.
“What? You warm up when you run”, he says with a laugh.
But they did get surprised when the neighbors began bringing in their garden furniture in September, bracing for the first snow.
New Goals
The Brambles are looking forward to completing the house in time to celebrate their first Christmas here with their children, who are studying in the UK. They’re also keen to keep exploring the area.
“We’ve never been so close to being able to go skiing. It’s only a 30-minute drive, and we’re excited about that. And we want to learn cross-country skiing, too.”
Iain is eager for his new studio, where he already has people interested in taking his classes.
When asked if they see themselves growing old here, their answer is, “It’s possible.”
Photo: Mats Engfors, Fotographic
