HomeExchange found a last minute castle during my visit to Copenhagen

At HomeExchange, we like to give a voice to those who can best describe it: our members. This testimonial was written by Luca, a member who used our support to obtain last-minute emergency accommodation.

From dream to reality

Last April, I found myself in Copenhagen, that magical city of bikes, hygge, and endless canals, chasing a dream of immersing myself in Scandinavian life as a digital nomad. I'd booked a month-long home exchange through HomeExchange, excited to pedal through Nyhavn's colorful facades, sip coffee in quirky cafes, and work remotely from a cozy Danish apartment. My profile as an experienced exchanger—cyclist, tidy non-smoker from the sunny Cilento coast—had landed me what looked like a perfect match: a central flat right in the city center. The photos promised that quintessential Nordic minimalism. I arrived full of optimism, ready for my longest Nordic adventure yet.

But reality hit differently. From the first evening, something felt off with the host. Our pre-arrival chats had been warm, but in person, there was a subtle mismatch in energy. The host was polite but distant. As someone who thrives on quiet focus for work (and early mornings for cycling), I didn't feel comfortable settling in. Privacy felt eroded, and problems piled up. 

I pride myself on being respectful in exchanges—always leaving places immaculate, communicating openly. But staying in discomfort isn't sustainable, especially for a long-term stay. After a restless night, I decided to leave because of the host. It wasn't dramatic; I messaged early morning: "Appreciate the hospitality, but I realize this might not be the best fit for my work-focused trip. Happy to end early amicably?" The response was understanding—no hard feelings, just a mismatch. We parted cordially, and I packed up, heart sinking a bit at the uncertainty. Copenhagen's hostel prices are notoriously high in spring, and as a solo nomad without a backup, I felt vulnerable. Lesson one from this adventure: always scout video calls pre-exchange for vibe checks, and clarify "house rules" explicitly.

HomeExchange service to the rescue

I turned to HomeExchange support. I'd heard glowing reviews of their concierge-like service, but this was my first real test. I emailed  the detailed situation transparently, no blame, just facts—discomfort due to the host, not conflict. Within an hour, their team responded: "We've got you. We'll send last-minute requests on your behalf right now. Preferences?" I rattled off must-haves: central location, natural light, quiet for work, bike storage, at least one month availability. Bonus: high ceilings for that airy feel—I love space overhead when typing away on my laptop.

What happened next was pure magic. HomeExchange's algorithm and human touch kicked into overdrive. They blasted targeted requests to verified hosts with immediate availability, crafting personalized messages in my voice: highlighting my stellar reviews (4.9 stars from Italian coastal swaps), nomad lifestyle, and Cilento home offer. Pings flew to dozens of listings across the city. I sipped my latte, refreshing my inbox nervously, half-expecting slim pickings in peak tourist season.

Two hours later—boom. A match! "We've secured an incredible alternative: a palace-like gem in the heart of Copenhagen." My jaw dropped at the photos. This wasn't just any flat; it was a jaw-dropping historic palace style apartment with staggering 5-meter-high ceilings, intricate plaster moldings, and massive windows flooding the space with golden April light. The main room felt like a grand salon—gleaming floors, elegant details, and enough space to pace during video calls or unroll my yoga mat under those lofty heights. The bedroom overlooked a quiet courtyard, the kitchen was well-equipped, and best of all: secure bike storage. Pure elegance, for the same exchange terms.

The host was thrilled: "HomeExchange found you just in time—I had availability." they shared some history about the building and welcomed me warmly. We clicked instantly—their appreciation for cycling mirrored mine, and they valued my lifestyle.

Visit the best places in Copenhagen and live the dream

That incredible space transformed my Copenhagen chapter.

Mornings: I'd wake to birdsong, drink tea under those epic ceilings, and plan routes on Komoot. By 9 AM, bike out—zipping past iconic landmarks, to street food markets, or through parks amid spring blossoms. The height gave an almost cathedral-like calm; working felt elevated, literally.

Afternoons blurred into discoveries: traditional open-faced sandwiches, design store hunts, canal tours with quirky guides sharing local tales.

Evenings: Hygge perfected—candles flickering against those vast walls, jazz from a record player left behind.

Visitors trickled in, as I'd flagged: a Helsinki friend for a weekend, blending seamlessly with approval. The space accommodated effortlessly. I even tackled small tasks—tightened squeaky doors, repotted plants—earning extra goodwill.

Reflecting, this saga underscores HomeExchange's superpower: human agility in crises. Their last-minute magic turned potential disaster into highlight-reel luxury.