On Norway’s southwest coast, where pine forests edge into farmland and the sea is never far away, a quiet farmhouse has been transformed into something altogether different. The House of Bothania, as it is known, has become a retreat where art, fragrance and storytelling converge to create a space devoted to transformation and self-discovery.
The vision belongs to Silje Engelstrand Natland, an artist and therapist who calls herself a “modern-day alchemist.” Through craniosacral therapy, hypnotherapy, energy practices and what she describes as resonance medicine, Natland has built a sanctuary for those seeking to step back from the pace of everyday life and reconnect with themselves.
“I deeply believe we are on a hero’s journey of remembrance,” she said in an interview at the main house. “The purpose is to reclaim lost parts of ourselves and transcend fears and limitations. My role is to provide the space and the tools so that people can unlock their highest potential.”
Fragrance lies at the center of her philosophy. Bothania’s Alchemist Series, a line of perfumes and oils created in Norway, is crafted with what Natland describes as “bioenergetic frequencies” meant to evoke grounding, clarity or expansion. For her, fragrance is not a luxury accessory but a medium for awakening memory, emotion and awareness.
The grounds reflect that ethos. The Alchemist Garden, arranged into seven symbolic zones, invites visitors into a contemplative journey. A stable has been reimagined as a space for yoga and sound healing, while a glass-filled studio offers solitude to writers. Even the Butterfly House, dedicated to metamorphosis, serves as a reminder of nature’s most enduring transformation.
Since acquiring the property of Bakkeland in 2018 with her husband, Aage, Natland has steadily extended Bothania’s reach. The Alchemist Set, introduced in 2022, paired seven perfumes with a deck of guided cards, presenting what she called “keys to consciousness.” The project reintroduced itself under its current name in 2023 and has since launched retreats across Europe including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Belgium.
Sustainability remains central to Bothania’s identity. Perfumes are produced locally using vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, with ethanol derived from Norwegian forests. “We can’t speak about transformation without also speaking about how we live on the earth,” Natland said.
This year marks another milestone. The House of Bothania has been announced as an official Bronze Category Sponsor of the National Film Awards 2026. For Natland, the partnership brings together two worlds of artistry.
“At House of Bothania, we believe that true artistry begins with transformation of self, of story, and of the world around us,” she said. “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.”
From its earliest days to its rebrand and European expansion, Bothania has positioned itself as more than a retreat. It is, in Natland’s words, a global movement built on healing and creative exploration. With new products such as Luminessence and the Womb Weaver Card Deck set to launch later this year, its reach continues to grow.
Yet the legacy may ultimately rest not in product lines or partnerships but in the quieter experiences of the land itself: walking through a symbolic garden, writing in a studio overlooking the woods, or breathing the salt air drifting in from the Norwegian coast.
“Transformation is not a luxury,” Natland said. “It is the work of our time.”
For more information, visit houseofbothania.com.
