In the Cottage

– "I think that as society changes, the archipelago changes in its own way. Electricity has been part of that shift to the modern world. — Somehow I feel like I couldn’t see myself in Kuorsalo without electricity anymore. It’s just part of it now."

– "And in a way, we’ve lived into that."

– "Yeah, we’ve grown into it. Of course you could manage without electricity, but now that we’ve grown up with it, I see it as part of the whole..."

– "I still see it as a kind of richness that it would stay somewhat simple in the future too. It’s like a counterbalance to city life. I don’t need a dishwasher there, for example. I don’t miss it."

– "Not even a tap?"

– "No. No. That’s kind of part of it."

– "So water is carried to the sauna and for doing dishes."

Johanna Arvilommi and Julius Rajasalo, Kuorsalo

In a cottage, the old blends with the new. Whether it's a former fisherman’s house or a newer building, the layers of decades are visible in dishes, textiles, and furniture. People spend time indoors mostly in the evenings or when it’s cold or rainy. They read, do everyday chores, play games, or gather in the evening. The sound of the sea, gulls crying, and rain tapping on the metal roof fills the background. The national radio’s marine forecast sets the rhythm of the day and affects plans.

The main difference between Tammio and Kuorsalo is electricity. In Kuorsalo, electric lights and appliances are common. In Tammio, being off-grid is part of the island’s appeal for many.

Old island houses are ready to serve as summer homes, but with more visitors, extra buildings have been constructed. In the 1950s and '60s, summer cabin guides emphasized natural light and practicality. The cottage should not be like a city apartment – summer life should offer a break from routine. Bedrooms were not to be built on the east side so morning sun wouldn’t wake people too early. Bedding was traditionally brought from home at the start of the season.

In the 1980s, peasant-style décor and nostalgia came back into fashion. People wanted more comfort in their summer homes. Longer holidays and more active retirees extended the cottage season. New summer homes increasingly began to resemble year-round residences.

Cottage Life in Finland – Cottage Barometer 2025
(Source: Taloustutkimus & Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry)

• Average distance to cottage: 91 km
• Average size: 70 m²
• Average number of users: 4 people
• Usage per year: 85 days
• 56% are used from spring to autumn
• 75% are connected to the electricity grid
• 19% have solar panels
• 10% are on sea islands
• 29% do remote work from the cottage
• 55% of owners are retired

Number of Cottages in Finland

• 1900: 5,000
• 1939: 20,000
• 1962: 101,000
• 1990: 368,000
• 2005: 474,300
• 2025: 503,750