Platelayer's cottages were located at intervals of a few kilometres along all railways in our country. At most, in the 1940s, there were 3,200 of them. Almost all platelayers were extremely meticulous about maintaining the cottage and tending to the garden. Most of the cottages were built during the 1800s and the 1900s.

Platelayer's cottages were located at intervals of a few kilometres along all railways in our country. At most, in the 1940s, there were 3,200 of them. Almost all platelayers were extremely meticulous about maintaining the cottage and tending to the garden. Most of the cottages were built during the 1800s and the 1900s.

They housed a living room, kitchen, and vestibule. Additionally, there were storage rooms for the platelayer’s equipment and supplies. The living space was approximately 50 square metres.

Wood was the most common building material, but in southern Sweden, including along the West Coast Line and the Bohus Line, brick was also used.

The cottage was heated with a cast iron stove and a fireplace, both fueled by wood. Water was drawn from a dug well on the property. From the 1920s, many platelayer’s cottages received an extension that, in addition to an extra room, usually included a laundry room and a pantry.

A woodshed, tool shed, and outdoor toilet were part of the cottage. Most of them also had a barn with a couple of cows as well as pigs and small animals.

Potatoes, vegetables, berries, and fruit were grown on the property, as well as ornamental plants such as lilacs and syringa, marigolds, and sweet peas.

Caption: Platelayer's cottage from 1902, the same as the model.