Laura’s candy-colored island home features four-meter-high ceilings and massive arched windows

What spectacular windows! That was my first thought when we walked into our new home in Suomenlinna for the very first time. We moved apartments on this beloved island when a spacious two-story family home opened up in an old barracks building. What really caught my eye was the living room, over four meters tall with majestic arched windows.

If the windows tugged at my emotions, the floor plan convinced my practical side: the four children in our six-person blended family finally each got their own room upstairs. I don’t set foot in their domain even once a day. In a large family, someone always has to compromise: my partner and I have a sleeping nook the size of a double bed in what used to be a walk-in closet, but we turned it into a sweet little hideaway with string lights and paper garlands made by our artist neighbor.

Playfulness and candy-colored hues are at the heart of our home’s decor. I suspect my partner might be fine with a little less pink! We balance it all out with clean-lined classic furniture.

What time does the last ferry leave? The most common question we islanders get asked is about ferry service. People often think we’re stranded on this rock all winter or that the ferry only runs occasionally. In reality, it runs year-round, every single day from six in the morning until two at night. I can be at the Market Square in 15 minutes, while getting from the suburbs to downtown can take my friends 45 minutes. The second most common question is: do you have any services? Yes, we do: a store, a library, an elementary school—small but charming.

The sense of community in island life also sparks curiosity. These days, many people seem to fear that concept—but I think there’s no need. Yes, living on an island is communal, but that doesn’t mean forced cheeriness or endless work parties. It means that if you need a serger or a splash of soy sauce, someone will always lend it to you, and that it’s only a few steps to hobbies like book club, choir, or broomstick exercise group. It’s incredible luxury for anyone used to the distances of the metropolitan area.

Doing things together brings such a sense of meaning and security. And if you need personal space, that’s easy enough. Noise-canceling headphones on the ferry let neighbors know I want to quietly listen to my audiobook this morning.

Island life is distinct and, most of the time, wonderful. You could write a book or two about the colorful personalities in our neighborhood. The homes on this island are as unique as their residents—one has a vaulted ceiling, another has an old Swedish ferry’s bathroom stall. Even just walking through the stairwells, you can feel the history in the air and can’t help but take a breath in awe.

I’d love to say we’ll live on this island for the rest of our lives. However, our children are moving to the mainland for school and, as teenagers, they crave the city buzz.

Next, we’re dreaming of a home near downtown, ideally in Töölö, Helsinki. Managing our blended family’s schedules and getting the kids to their hobbies would be easier if everything was more accessible. It would be nice to have food delivered or ride a taxi home from a party. Our cottage in Southwest Finland would also be nearly an hour closer.

Our neighbors firmly believe we’ll return to the island someday. Many have tried giving the mainland a whirl and ended up moving back after a few years. Once you get a taste of life here, they say it’s impossible to settle anywhere else. That may well be true.