This large lakeside log house is nestled beneath a steep mossy hill crowned with tall pines. Overlooking the farmland and birch groves around Lake Vuonisjärvi, it is your tranquil retreat for a truly unique holiday in the Finnish countryside.
It's all on your doorstep to discover, whether swimming, paddle boarding, fishing or foraging for berries and mushrooms in summer or sledging, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing in winter - or just just gazing out to the lake with a drink in your hand.
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 white-washed fireplace and a 6-seater dining table. The House has three double bedrooms over two floors, a downstairs lounge with a 4-seater dining table and a striking tiled fireplace. An upstairs TV and play area with comfy seating, balcony and views to the lake make this House a comfortable and large enough space for everyone to have a relaxing stay.
Fitted with underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen with high-quality kitchenware, sauna, bathrooms on both floors, and many touches of both traditional and new Nordic design, the 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, 2 stand-up paddle boards, fishing rods and even some fish traps - ask Matti to 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 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 fire pit for toasting marshmallows and enjoying that very Finnish activity of barbequing sausages or making pancakes on the large cast iron griddle.
A new addition is a hilltop picnic hut and fire pit in the woods. It's a short 700-metre walk from the House and a good base for exploring the woods in summer and enjoying some sledging in winter. Ask Ritva or Matti for directions and more details.
The sloped lawn between the House and the Lake is also great for sledging in winter and for playing outdoor games in summer. Check the woodshed for some lawn games and beach toys. We can also give you directions to other 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 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
Guest access
The House, garden, outdoor sauna and lakeshore are for your exclusive and private use. Tapion Tupa is the last property at the end of the lane. Distance to the next cottage down the lane is about 200 metres.
Other things to note
If you have bikes, there's space in the wood shed for storing them.
Mosquitoes are a bother anywhere in the countryside in Finland during the early summer months, less from mid-July onwards. There is a supply of patio and garden mosquito repellant in the house, and the windows are fitted with mosquito nets. Just remember to keep the doors closed to stop them coming into the house. All supermarkets sell insect repellant sprays and gels.
