A tale of tax, utopia, and human faeces:

“All we ever wanted was to be a part of creating a more beautiful planet.”

The fragrant sentiments above, mouthed by Danish couple Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk, concern their creation, in Sweden, of a “forest resort” named Stedsans, one met with much acclaim:

Stedsans, formed of 16 wooden cottages looking out on to nature, attracted praise from influencers and reviewers, who described it as “magical” and “enchanting luxury.”

Dish magazine hailed the project as “Seasonal, sustainable, organic, artisanal, waste-free, foraged.” While readers of EasyJet Traveller magazine were told that the resort is “A new way of living that’s as sustainable as it is delicious.”

For Ms Helbæk and Mr Hansen, the name of the resort, which is Danish for “sense of place,” reflects “which direction we need to go as a society.” The couple, who refer to themselves as “soul-driven entrepreneurs,” shared their vision:

We believe that creating a way of living that respects all forms of life is possible, and we think that connecting with our own inner nature and the natural world surrounding us is a key element in this process. Stedsans is our take on a model for a lifestyle more in sync with the natural rhythms. By visiting us, you support this work, and hopefully you get inspiration for ways to apply our ideas in your own daily life.

All terribly inspiring. Scenes of this idyll can be savoured here.

However,

A few months ago it was discovered that the couple had vanished, leaving multiple animals behind and 158 barrels of human waste,

The output of those sixteen charming cottages, one assumes. I’ll let any passing enthusiasts of arithmetic have fun with that one.

Staff said multiple animals – including ducks – had died as a result of being left outside through the night by the couple, and others were left abandoned after the owners vanished.

Ah yes. “A way of living that respects all forms of life.” Conjured into being by “soul-driven entrepreneurs.”

Local authorities described their actions as “environmental crime.” Daniel Helsing, head of building and environment for the local county, Hylte, told [Swedish newspaper] Dagens Nyheter: “Voilà. Over 150 barrels of human shit.”

According to an investigation by Dagens Nyheter and Politiken, Ms Helbæk and Mr Hansen had left Denmark owing “millions of kroner in debt to Danish tax authorities,” before moving to Sweden, where they accumulated further tax debt of six million SEK.

Sustainability, baby.

They have since started a new hotel business in Guatemala.

You may now resume your humdrum, unenlightened, non-artisanal lives.

Via Samizdata.




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