The Renovation
For years, Árós stood empty and weathered by the river. Today it's a warm, welcoming home — restored step by step, by five friends, with their own hands.
Before
The house stood empty for years: rusted corrugated iron, broken windows, and overgrown surroundings. Even so, beneath it all you could still see how well it had originally been built.
During
The renovation happened in stages over several years — from demolishing what couldn't be saved, to a new foundation, cladding, and roof — always respecting the house's original character and in consultation with the Húsafriðunarnefnd.
After
Today, Árós is an open kitchen and living space at its heart, cozy bedrooms in the attic with views over the fjord, and every detail chosen with the same care given to the exterior.
Working with the Icelandic Heritage Foundation
As the oldest timber house on the north side of Hnífsdalsá, the project was supported by the Húsafriðunarnefnd. That meant every decision — from cladding to windows — was made with the house's history in mind, not just its function.
Built by hand
This was never a job handed off to a contractor and forgotten. Five friends have given up their own weekends and summer holidays, year after year, to bring the house to where it stands today.
