Our story
Villa Paasirinne A – A Dream by the Lake
It all began with youthful moments on the shores of Lake Leppävesi in the 1950s and 60s. Niilo was still young when he traveled across the lake with his parents to the family’s plot of land, a meadow reaching all the way to the water’s edge. Though the distance from home was just over two kilometers by boat, the road circled around for ten. During summers, they rowed on the lake nearly every day—for haymaking, fieldwork, or fishing. In between chores, they would sit on the ditch bank, eat their packed meals, and gaze at the peaceful lake view. A thought took root, quietly growing for decades: this would be a good place to live. A dream began to take shape—a vision of buildings, a yard, and a road emerged in his mind.
Niilo spent his working years abroad, and it wasn’t until retirement that he could finally begin realizing his dream. The planning for Villa Paasirinne A had already started a years earlier, and now it was time to turn plans into reality. Over several years, the dream matured: a suitably sized plot of forest and shoreline was selected, and a road was cleared. The house took shape as a custom-designed Kuusamo log home, fully tailored to personal wishes. The utility building was planned and built by hand. Thanks to Niilo’s craftsmanship, the family’s collective effort, and help from local professionals, a vacation home was created where ecological values, practicality, and respect for nature come together. The lakeshore, which had grown thick with reeds over the decades, was brought back to life: a swimming area was dredged, reeds were cut, and the shoreline was reshaped according to soil analyses and permit conditions. In the summer of 2018, the dream came to life—Villa Paasirinne A opened its doors.
The spirit of this place cannot be captured by photos or words alone—it must be experienced. Come enjoy a holiday that is more than just accommodation. It is a moment surrounded by nature, a place for peace and presence, on the shores of Lake Leppävesi in Toivakka, in the heart of Central Finland.
Villa Paasirinne B – A Cottage That Grew Over Time
The story of Villa Paasirinne B begins in 1940, when Vihtori Janhonen bought a plot of land on the shores of Lake Leppävesi, at the foot of Paasivuori in Toivakka. A cottage was built: two rooms and an unheated entryway, totaling about 40 square meters. No electricity, no running water. Heat came from a wood-burning stove, water was carried from the well, and for the animals, from the lake. A cold, covered attic served as storage and, during summer nights, a sleeping area. In the yard stood a small animal shelter and a sauna building. The sloping lot offered a beautiful view of nearby Lake Leppävesi. This was the beginning.
In 1948, Vihtori, now a widower, found companionship. A widow named Olga moved in as housekeeper, bringing her son Niilo. Four years later, electricity was brought to the cottage, and little by little, it adapted to the times. In the 1950s and 60s, the old village road from Toivakka to Jyväskylä, which passed by the cottage, began to be improved through emergency employment projects. The cottage also offered shelter to occasional travelers—those walking the roads in search of work. Life was simple.
Over time, the open view to Lake Leppävesi partly vanished, as the new road consumed land and blocked the scenery. In 1985, the cottage came into Niilo’s family’s ownership when he built his own house next to it. With respect for the cottage’s history and Olga’s needs, the building was renovated and expanded in 1995. Olga enjoyed her home for a couple more years before peacefully passing away there at the remarkable age of 93.
In the years that followed, the cottage continued evolving while honoring its history. The kitchen was renovated, the wood stove preserved, rooms furnished for guests, and appliances updated. A grill hut was built, and new plantings were added around the yard and patios for privacy. An air-source heat pump was installed to enhance comfort. Finally, in 2012, the cottage opened its doors to holidaymakers through Lomarengas Oy.
Today, Villa Paasirinne B is a warm and inviting holiday destination that carries the weight of history while offering all the comforts of modern life. It is peaceful, well-insulated, and easily accessible—a perfect place to gather with friends or enjoy a tranquil business trip stay. Explore the destination through pictures and descriptions, but for the best experience, come visit in person. Come feel the atmosphere yourself!
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