This large traditional log house, nestled beneath a steep mossy hill crowned with tall pines and overlooking the farmland and birch groves around Lake Vuonisjärvi, is your tranquil retreat for enjoying a truly unique holiday in the Finnish countryside.
Whether it's just gazing out to the lake with a drink in your hand or swimming, fishing and foraging for berries and mushrooms in summer, or sledging, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, it's all here on your doorstep to discover.
The space
Tapion Tupa is a lovingly refurbished traditional Finnish farmhouse-style holiday home with expansive views and a lakeshore for swimming.
The charming open plan kitchen and dining area has exposed timber walls, a traditional white-washed fireplace and a 6-seater dining table. Three double bedrooms over two floors, a downstairs lounge with a striking tiled fireplace and a 4-seater dining table, and an upstairs TV and play area with comfy seating, balcony and views to the lake make our house a comfortable and large enough space for everyone to have a relaxing stay.
Fitted with cosy underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen with high-quality kitchenware, sauna, bathrooms on both floors, any many touches of both traditional and new Nordic design, such as high-thread cotton bed linen and curtains of Finnish fabrics, our house provides a perfect setting for a laid-back family holiday and a great base for exploring North Karelia's national parks and areas of natural beauty.
Vuonisjärvi is a shallow lake teeming with coarse fish. There's a rowing boat for your exclusive use, fishing rods and even some fish traps - Matti can show you how to use them! If you're into swimming, we've cleared the vegetation from the shore, built a jetty and brought in fine sand for easier access to the lake - and for building the best sandcastles. There's a large outdoor sauna made of old Karelian pine in the garden. Your rental includes the firewood.
In addition to a gas BBQ on the veranda, there's a firepit for toasting marshmallows and enjoying that very Finnish activity of barbequing sausages or making pancakes on the large cast iron griddle.
The sloped lawn between the house and the lake is great for playing outdoor games in summer and for sledging in winter. Check the woodshed for some lawn games and beach toys. We can also give you directions to local picnic sites with campfires; all have firewood provided.
First built in 1902 for the workers of a nearby sawmill, we moved Tapion Tupa to its current location in 2004 and named it after the ancient Finnish god of forests, Tapio.
We live across the lake and are at hand to help with any questions you may have.
We have many happy memories of the holidays and celebrations we've enjoyed here with our children, grandchildren and friends. We hope that you too will fall in love with Tapion Tupa just as much as we have.
We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful holiday home in the Finnish Karelia.
Your hosts, Ritva and Matti
