An old fisherman’s cottage is Anne and Matti’s cozy winter retreat—with draft stoppers and old blankets keeping them warm
Anne and Matti didn’t hesitate a moment when a familiar property came up for sale. They became the new owners of Anne’s grandparents’ cottage, restoring it while honoring its history.
On Finland’s Independence Day in December, many decorate their homes in blue and white. Anne and Matti, however, fill the cottage with shades of red and white, welcoming the holiday spirit in.
This old log cabin is perfect for a cozy Christmas season—even if it can get a bit chilly at times.
In winter, a thick old blanket that belonged to Anne’s grandmother hangs in front of the exterior door, keeping the draft from entering through the cold porch.
“We use draft stoppers. They’re sausage-shaped pillows that help keep window drafts out,” Anne says with a smile.
Other traditional methods are also used at the cottage. In winter, a thick old blanket from Anne’s grandmother hangs in front of the exterior door, keeping the draft from the cold porch outside.
They still visit the cottage even in freezing weather and only stay home when temperatures drop extremely low. Two timed heaters provide basic warmth, and while they’re there, they keep a steady fire going under the stove.
Even though the house has been renovated, it’s not surprising it’s drafty because the original cottage was built in 1895. Anne’s grandparents Aina and Kustaa bought it in the 1920s as a home for their family. The parents, their three sons, and their daughter all squeezed into this small cottage.
“My grandparents were small-scale farmers, and my grandfather also fished more than they needed for themselves. My mother always reminisced about her childhood Christmases: it wasn’t lavish, but there was always enough food,” Anne says.
The log walls and ceiling were covered with pasteboard, and the drafty plank floors badly needed repair.
Anne and Matti decided to buy the property in 2010 from the estate of Anne’s uncle. Only minimal updates had been made after the 1920s. Anne’s grandfather had renovated it at one time and added a bedroom. Uncle Heikki then used the cottage as a vacation home, but did have it wired for electricity in the 1980s.
“The log walls and ceiling were covered with pasteboard, and the drafty plank floors needed work too. There was a large baking oven in the main room, which we decided to remove,” Matti says about the changes made to Anne’s grandmother’s place.
They installed a lightweight fireplace in place of the baking oven and made other improvements. The floor was insulated further and re-boarded.
Anne says they also tore out an old tiled stove from the bedroom.
“It found a new home through recycling. A neighbor helped with the painting, but other than that, Matti’s done everything himself,” Anne says gratefully.
The cottage’s interior decor respects its past. Most of the furniture is inherited from both of their childhood homes or acquired over the years. The threads in the wall hanging made by Anne’s aunt were plant-dyed before being embroidered.
“I love the stories behind these items,” Anne says, explaining that she made many of the cottage’s textiles herself in addition to the ones she inherited.
“We made a tablecloth out of the hand-embroidered dish towels from Matti’s mother.
Matti adds that all he needs is a comfy armchair.
“That’s my favorite spot in the living room. Anne handles the decorating, and I carry out all her new ideas whenever I have time,” Matti laughs.
Anne and Matti spend Christmas Eve with their son’s family, but on Christmas night, they drive to the cottage. The hustle and bustle remain in town.
They feel the best parts of Christmas are good food and peace and quiet. Fish dishes were an important part of the cottage’s Christmas table back in the day, and they still are. Granpa Kustaa used to handle the smoking, and now Matti continues the tradition.
