Expressen writes that there is still not any renovation plan with Villa Solbacken and it requires millions from Carl Philip's pocket. Jan Lindman, the financial director of the court, says that it is the prince's private property and the renovation isn't burdening the court administration.
Villa Solbacken was built in 1930 and bought by Prince Bertil in 1949. The building was designed by architect Ragnar Hjorth and is in functional style. Prince Carl Philip inherited the house after the death of Prince Bertil in 1997 with the condition that Princess Lilian had the right to stay there as long as she lived. The living area is approximately 200-250 square meters, with it's enclosed garden plot. The villa consists currently of seven rooms. There is also a large balcony. The documents submitted to the City Planning in January show that Carl Philip and Sofia want to make a total rearrangement of the house and build more balconies.
Villa Solbacken is classed as a modern k-listed building, green classification. For this reason the prince couple have to apply for any changes they want to make, both externally and internally.
On January 30, Lindman sent documents to the City Planning regarding Villa Solbacken, the application forms for construction matters. The documents showed that there was extensive work to be done. Today - over eight months later - absolutely nothing has happened.
- No, that's right. We have not come forward right now in the process.
The house needs a total renovation and it is reportedly where the problem has occurred. The renovation must be paid by Carl Philip's and Sofia's private funds. The documents show that Carl Philip had wanted the construction to start already on 1 February.
- There is at the moment no timetable for the renovation. It is about a total interior and exterior renovation. Such elementary things as electricity and water must be reviewed and will almost certainly be renewed, says Lindman.
But it's been eight months?
- Yes, but it's been a busy year for the couple with a lot of work, engagement, wedding and the honeymoon. They have chosen to prioritize other areas than the renovation of the house this year. The couple wants to make a cozy and modern accommodation. But there is much to be done. They want to bring in the house's aesthetic values. It's a big house and a big project.
When they can move in?
- Impossible to say at the moment.
Are they thinking to ignore the renovation and sell the house?
- No, there are no such plans. The house will not be sold, said Lindman.
Carl Philip och Sofia i bostadsdilemma _ Nyheter _ Expressen
Translation
With Princess Lillian only dying in March of 2013 I can imagine there is a time for grief, and time to inventory the contents, ensure they go where Bertil and Lillian specified. To jump the gun and rush in the back with the builder while to funeral cortege is moving off out front would be insensitive and, of all the thing said about CP, insensitive didn't seem to be one of them.
