For the discerning individual whose philanthropy shapes the world and whose taste demands...
For the discerning American visionary who seeks a sanctuary where natural beauty intertwines with thoughtful design, the story of Tanja and Harri offers a glimpse into a life of profound connection and purpose. Discover how one family embraced an elevated existence amidst the pristine Finnish wilderness, a testament to sustainable luxury and timeless appeal.
Coastal Grandeur
Spurred by unforeseen global shifts, Tanja and Harri, a couple of refined taste and environmental consciousness, accelerated their long-held aspiration. They commissioned a bespoke Honka Halti log estate, meticulously tailored to their family's discerning needs, on their cherished island enclave within the Pihlajavesi basin of Lake Saimaa in Finland. Expansive windows frame breathtaking panoramas of Lake Saimaa, a pristine habitat where the revered Saimaa ringed seal gracefully glides.
Tanja and Harri harbored a dream: to establish a year-round residence at their beloved summer haven, dedicating half of each year to its embrace. As fate would have it, their vision materialized a remarkable fifteen years ahead of schedule. "As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, I’m now able to do most of my work remotely, which changed our plans,” Tanja shares. “So we thought: why wait when we could actually fulfill our dream earlier?”
The island in the Pihlajavesi basin holds a special place in Tanja's heart, a connection forged in childhood. Her parents acquired the island even before establishing their primary residence. Once only accessible by boat, a modern car ferry now ensures convenient passage. Tanja's childhood summers were predominantly spent on this idyllic isle. Initially, Tanja, Harri, and their three children resided in a log cabin built by Tanja’s parents. Subsequently, they thoughtfully renovated a smaller, unpretentious cabin on the same property, making it their holiday retreat for the ensuing fifteen years. Their new bespoke estate now graces this cherished plot.
Take a video tour
Honka Halti: A Masterpiece Harmonizing with Nature
Once the decision was made, the realization of their vision progressed swiftly, guided by two unequivocal desires. "The cottage had to be made of log, and it had to have excellent natural lighting. Log was an obvious choice, as it not only blends with the landscape and surroundings but is also eco-friendly and durable, lasting for generations.”
The couple meticulously reviewed various providers, ultimately selecting Honka from a shortlist of two. “Honka’s long experience in log construction gave us confidence. Given the unstable global situation at that time, a financially stable company gave us reassurance that our project would be successfully completed.” The couple found themselves captivated by Honka’s Halti model, which perfectly incorporated their desire for expansive windows and seamlessly complemented the island’s rocky terrain.
The original Halti model's floor plan, featuring two bedrooms and a utility room, was custom-modified based on Tanja’s precise drawings to include three bedrooms. Furthermore, the segregated kitchen was transformed into an expansive, open-concept living room and kitchen area. “As a family of five, it was important for us to have enough bedrooms. We also wanted the main bedrooms to have stunning lake views. In terms of appearance, we wanted the cottage to blend into nature, and the black surface complements the grey rocks beautifully.”
Honka’s long experience in log construction gave us confidence. Given the unstable global situation at that time, a financially stable company gave us reassurance that our project would be successfully completed.
Tanja, the customer
Conscientious Construction, Respecting Our Planet
Local contractors expertly executed the construction. Despite the family’s primary residence being in Espoo, they were confident that the project would unfold precisely as planned. Thanks to remote work capabilities and the convenience of their existing summer cottage, Tanja was frequently on-site, meticulously overseeing the construction and even assisting with site clean-up when necessary. “Among other things, when Honka’s assembly team arrived, I heated up the old beach sauna for them and carried washing water from the ice hole.” The assembly of the home took place in winter, with the final inspection gracefully concluding the following autumn. “Since we didn’t have previous building experience, it was difficult to picture the end result in our minds. But we were very pleasantly surprised: the cottage turned out to be lovelier than we could have imagined!”
For those embarking on their first log home journey, Tanja sagely advises seeking expert guidance with budgeting, acknowledging that she and her family hadn't fully anticipated every financial detail. The island and its surrounding waters are designated as part of the Natura 2000 nature conservation area, a unique and vital ecosystem home to a significant population of endangered Saimaa ringed seals within the Pihlajavesi basin. Respecting this delicate natural balance was paramount during construction, making winter an ideal time to build. The snow cover ensured the surroundings remained virtually undisturbed throughout the process. “In addition, we aimed to disturb the seals as little as possible. When the seal pups were born, the interior work was already underway.”
Since we didn’t have previous building experience, it was difficult to picture the end result in our minds. But we were very pleasantly surprised: the cottage turned out to be lovelier than we could have imagined!
Tanja, the customer
A Legacy Home, Designed for Generations
While the family revels in the profound tranquility of the archipelago, they remain conveniently close to the cultural and service offerings of Savonlinna, ensuring appeal even for their adult children. “The short ferry ride to the island is an adventure in itself. That’s when it truly feels like the mind and body switch to leisure time, and ‘cottage time’. As soon as we board the ferry, we take pictures and keep an eye out for a glimpse of the Saimaa ringed seal.”
Although the family was already accustomed to the rhythm of cottage life, they now dedicate even more time to their cherished archipelago, embracing its beauty throughout the year. “Our hope is that someday it will be a second home, and to some extent it already is. The cottage was designed to be single-storey and as accessible as possible, allowing for comfortable living in our old age.”
The cottage was designed to be single-storey and as accessible as possible, allowing for comfortable living in our old age.
Tanja, the customer
Equipped with every modern amenity, Tanja and her family desired their leisure home to retain an authentic, retreat-like ambiance, distinct from their primary residence. “Not a single indoor wall is painted or wallpapered – all the walls are wood, creating a lovely warm atmosphere. The nature seen through the windows takes centre stage indoors as well, and the atmosphere changes with the seasons.”
Holistic Wellbeing in Your Private Retreat
Tanja finds immense satisfaction in working remotely from the cottage. The serene surroundings cultivate a remarkably tranquil work environment, with nature always within reach at the close of the workday. “Being able to look up from my laptop from time to time out over Lake Saimaa gives a boost to my work.” In Tanja’s estimation, a log cabin fosters an exceptional atmosphere for breathing, and the nights offer unparalleled rest. The family also thoughtfully rents out the cottage when not in use, a decision rooted in their philanthropic spirit. “My view is that renting it out is a good deed for the environment. There is an enormous number of cottages in Finland that stand empty most of the time, and not everyone wants to own their own cottage.”
The family’s experience renting out their old cottage one summer was overwhelmingly positive. “We had lovely tenants who fell in love with the place. Renting out also makes life easier when it comes to expenses.” Nature’s presence is palpable throughout the estate. The covered terrace provides a perfect vantage point for observing an approaching storm, and the living room furniture is effortlessly reconfigured to suit each changing season. Tanja believes this leisure home has profoundly enhanced the wellbeing of her entire family. “We’ve cut down on our travelling for environmental reasons, and since our cottage is suitable for year-round living we don’t have to holiday abroad. Winters always felt very long to me in the past, but now even wintertime is more enjoyable since I know I can go to the island. Here I can light a fire in the fireplace and admire the scenery, which is beautiful even in winter.”
"We had lovely tenants who fell in love with the place. Renting out also makes life easier when it comes to expenses."
Tanja, the customer
Building facts:
✔️ Residents: Tanja, Harri & their children✔️ House: Honka Halti model, custom-designed to client specifications
✔️ Log: Honkarakenne lamellar log FXL 204 mm, zero corner, spruce
✔️ Floor area: 1076 sq ft
✔️ Living area: 958 sq ft
✔️ Rooms: 3 bedrooms, living room + dining area + kitchen, toilet, sauna + washroom
✔️ Log surface treatment: interior; Helo Solana wax, exterior; Rubio Monocoat (70% black 30% chocolate)
✔️ Fixtures: Puustelli & Ikea
✔️ Location: Savonlinna, Pihlajavesi, Finland
✔️ Year of construction: 2021-2022
✔️ Honka ID: 4005464
