59°49'24.7"N 22°24'09.8"E Ō Island Hideaway, Finland

On the tiny, untouched island of Skjulskäret, this stripped-back eco-home was constructed to celebrate Finland’s traditional gabled cottages and the forests they’re built from, treading lightly on planet and place. Timber walkways snake across the ground and root the house and workshop. Steam rises from the natural hot tub; smoke drifts from the sauna stove; guttering extends beyond the felted roof to embrace the landscape.

Every detail of this design duo’s passion project is thoughtfully considered, inside and out. Picture windows in every wall frame serene Baltic seascapes and woodland views, capturing the ever-changing light. Scandinavian style classics including Hans Wegner chairs and Flos lighting enliven the Arctic pine cladding. Terraces, hammocks and cosy corners are just where you need them.

Facing south, living space focuses on a glass-sided tunnel stove, with a neat stained-birch kitchen diner; a double bedroom and a mezzanine master bedroom floating in the eaves above. A covered patio with alfresco kitchen leads onto the shower room and toilet. The house ends where you’ll want to begin: with a sauna looking out to sea. 

Freshly made breakfast and lunch picnics of local delights are dropped off each morning by boat; a dining pavilion on the far side of the island sets the scene for meals prepared by you or by visiting chefs, should you wish.

How far to the nearest…

• Resident/Neighbour 1km (by boat)
• Beach 50m
• Shop 5km
• Café/Restaurant 5km
• Town 50km
• Airport 180km/ 3 hours

Location Totally private, the 100m x 200m island is one of 50,000 that make up Finland’s territory. At its southern end is pine forest; dramatic bays form its northern fingers. The remote location means supplies and activities must be organised in advance, but shops or adventures are never far away by boat.

Build Kontio cabins built with wood from sustainably managed PEFC-certified forests and clad with Thermowood planks; the massive log structure allows the house to ‘breathe’, naturally regulating humidity and temperature. The recyclable biocomposite Puustelli Miinus kitchen and cabinetry has an ultra-low carbon footprint and low emissions rating.

Energy Completely off-grid: powered by solar panels in summer with a back-up generator for mid-winter. The sauna stove provides heating and hot water; seawater is filtered by reverse osmosis – it’s as good as bottled mineral water.
Digital detox No TVs or fancy tech. Wifi available. Good phone reception.

Creature comforts Rockpool heated by a separate stove. Underfloor heating and air-conditioning. Washing machine. Stocked minibar. Weltewree barbecue, smoker and pizza oven. Dining pavilion with professional kitchen.

Engage

Hike, cruise or kayak among the coastal villages and skerries of the Kimito Islands and beyond. Explore Viking heritage and history on Rosala, or hire bicycles and follow the nature trail on the fortress island of Örö – look out for herons and Highland cattle. Bengtskär Lighthouse, about 20 min boat ride away, which is the tallest lighthouse in the Nordics.

Savour

Find hand-made rye bread, cloudberry jam and seasonal treats in harbour stores or village shops on neighbouring islands, or visit the taproom and smokehouse on Rosala. Forage for herbs, catch and smoke your own fish or knock up a pizza in the wood-fired outdoor oven. If you prefer, chefs Ellen and William of Käsnas island’s Källarvinden restaurant can come to prepare dinner for you using fresh archipelago ingredients – join in and cook together, or just enjoy.

Go Slow

Nap. Talk. Scour the horizon for grey seals and sea birds. Island-hop and seek out heritage pasture, wooden towns and woodland meadows scattered with orchids and cowslip. Wander windswept coves and herb-scented copses, where the white-tailed eagle hunts. Sway in a hammock while you immerse yourself in Tove Janssen’s Moominland.