đĄ A house on a remote Finnish island, a young family, and a life far from the city đ«ąđ«Ł Sounds like a dream, right? But whatâs really behind these cozy walls? đ€đ Inside, old and new blend together, every corner hiding a story of change, challenge, and discovery đ€© See the inside photos in the article below đ
A few years ago, Julia and Petteri lived in Turku, one of Finlandâs biggest cities. They rented a small apartment in a nice area, hoping to someday have their own place. At first, they planned to buy a one-room apartment, saving up little by little.
But everything changed in an instant. One evening, Julia stumbled upon a house listing that immediately caught her eye. She showed it to Petteri, expecting him to dismiss the idea. Instead, he was just as excited.
Their future home was built in 1958 on Harvaluoto, a quiet island only 30 minutes from Turku. Despite being so close to the city, the island had just 200 residents and felt like a secluded retreat.
To afford the house and its renovations, they took out a five-year mortgage and borrowed from relatives.
The house was 100 square meters, with a yard full of fruit trees, garden beds, a sauna, and a shed. It was in this home that Julia found out she was pregnant. Now, their son Eino is six months old.
For the past 2.5 years, theyâve never once regretted leaving city life behind. They traded the rush of urban living for peace and nature. Like many Finns, they cherish old things, mixing them with new finds to create a warm and welcoming space.
Their living room is especially cozy. They chose wallpaper from a well-known Swedish brand, BorÄstapeter, while vintage furniture like an old coffee table and chest of drawers give it character. A music corner with a piano and guitars often fills the home with melodies the whole family enjoys.
Beyond their home, theyâve found a close-knit community. Despite the islandâs small population, neighbors look out for one anotherâwhether itâs an invitation to a homemade dinner or a gift of freshly caught fish.
Julia still teaches Finnish at the university, commuting to Turku as needed.
Their home has all the comforts they need, from a dishwasher to a classic oven that becomes especially useful in winter.
Looking ahead, Julia dreams of renovating the bedroom and creating a full walk-in closet.
This island home was the start of a journey they cherish every single day.
