In a small Finnish village, 40 kilometers from the city of Turku, lives a family of four: 35-year-old Jarkko, his wife Maria, and their two sons. They reside in an old log house built in the 1920s, a home they purchased in 2019.
Surrounded by forest and towering trees, this house offers the perfect retreat into nature.
With limited funds, the family has been steadily renovating the house themselves since the day they moved in.
The house, originally small, has now expanded to 140 square meters by converting the attic, which was previously an unused space. The home features a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and a workshop. Some of the furniture is inherited from grandparents, while others were bought at sales. Maria and Jarkko are passionate about antique furniture!
The living room is the largest and brightest space in the house, boasting a cozy fireplace that brings warmth and charm to the room. In the corner of the living room, a living Christmas tree stands, which has been decorating the house since November.
Unlike a typical cut tree, this one is planted in the ground and will be replanted outside after the holidays.
In the kitchen, an old stove is still in use, providing heat throughout the house in winter.
The stove, which has been well-maintained, was simply painted a green color to match the surrounding nature.
The family hasn’t made many changes to the kitchen, keeping much of the original feel intact.
The house also has other stoves in the bedrooms and workshop, as well as electric heaters to keep things warm during the cold months. In the workshop, there is a loom, which Maria uses as a hobby to create rugs for sale.
The vintage furniture and decor contribute to the home’s inviting and warm atmosphere.
Despite the challenges, Jarkko and Maria are very happy with their home, as it provides the perfect setting for family life.
Their story proves that with love, creativity, and hard work, a cozy and comfortable home can be created, even on a modest budget.