Österåsens hälsohem, Historical sanatorium complex in Sollefteå Municipality, Sweden.
Österåsens hälsohem is a complex of wooden buildings with yellow and white facades, equipped with large windows and high ceilings. These features were designed to allow natural light to flood the spaces and improve air circulation throughout the rooms.
The complex was founded in 1901 and originally served as a treatment center for tuberculosis patients until the 1960s. Over time its purpose shifted from purely medical treatment to a broader health facility.
Many well-known writers, artists and musicians were treated at Österåsen, and the stay often influenced their creative work. Chief physician Helge Dahlstedt, in post from 1919 to 1951, fostered a culturally stimulating environment at the hospital that shaped this artistic life.
The former sanatorium lies at the confluence of the Ångerman and Faxälven rivers, about nine kilometres northwest of Sollefteå; the nearest settlement is the old station village of Österås. Since 1982 the buildings have housed Livsstilsmedicin Österåsen, owned and run by Region Västernorrland, so access to the interiors depends on its activities. Approach by road from Sollefteå and allow time to walk the grounds between the buildings.
The buildings were designed by Fredrik Lilljekvist to evoke the grandeur of Sweden's 17th-century great-power era, not the Caroline period. The complex opened on 2 August 1901 as the Kungliga Norrländska lungsotssanatoriet, inaugurated by riksmarskalk Fredrik von Essen. Since 1982 it has housed Livsstilsmedicin Österåsen, owned and run by Region Västernorrland.
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