Squirrels in the attic, a cellar about to collapse: 4 condemned houses rescued by bold renovators
Who would believe these homes were once condemned? Take a peek at how they turned out when renovators trusted their vision and tackled a big challenge. “We fell in love with the place right away,” one resident says.
1. Päivi moved into a granny cottage under threat of demolition, alone with her dog
Päivi didn’t hesitate to seize the chance when a vacant, demolition-worthy property went on sale. She moved to the countryside even though her commute grew longer, and her loved ones worried she might feel lonely. Now Päivi dreams of a kitchen garden and relishes the peace she was brave enough to choose for herself.
2. Squirrels, a leaking roof, and a fist-sized hole in the wall didn’t bother them
Sohvi and Teemu weren’t alarmed even though the log house they found was listed for demolition and came with plenty of issues. They decided to save it on a small budget. Over ten years, the house was transformed into a lovely home, and every detail echoes the family’s story.
3. A pink wooden villa that enchanted at first sight
Henna and Marttijaakko heard by chance about a more than century-old pink wooden house that had deteriorated badly. Although the owner warned them not to enter, they went to see it right away.
“We fell in love with the place instantly,” Henna says.
Over the years, the house became the most important place in their lives, and Henna can’t imagine a lovelier home.
4. Sigurd’s cottage, left empty for nearly 50 years and half torn down, flourishes once more
When Lisa was still a child, she would gaze upon Sigurd’s cottage at the edge of her family’s yard and dream of living there. The half-demolished house remained vacant for 45 years, until Lisa and Patrik decided to bring it back to life. They’ve renovated it at their own pace, and that’s exactly what makes it so unique.
