Like stepping into Narnia: Ulla’s relocated 19th-century log cabin proves “old items have an quality that new ones simply don’t”
This 19th-century log cabin, rebuilt using relocated logs, is the joyful home of one woman and her young son. As Christmas approaches, Ulla’s loved ones gather there, the fireplace crackles, and little Väinö cuts down a spruce from the yard.
At a cabin, you can learn to tinker, identify plants, care for buildings, and so much more. Yet we rarely think about how much a cabin stay can teach us on a personal level. For Ulla Parviainen it seems like the cabin has taught her to accept imperfection.
“I’ve always been someone who fusses over every last detail. Now a little imperfection actually charms me, and I barely even notice those trim boards I initially wanted to remove. Or the mismatched wood tones that aren’t perfectly in harmony anymore.”
Cabin-goers: OMT physical therapist and Instagram vintage shop owner, Ulla Parviainen, and her son Väinö, 7.
Cabin: A 75-square-meter (approx. 807 sq ft) log cabin built in the 19th century.
Where: Lohja, Southern Finland.
The place where Ulla and her son Väinö spend their cabin time is an old log building along a winding forest road. Four years ago, after separating from her partner, Ulla and her son moved to an apartment building, and Ulla found herself longing for a home with a yard. It was the height of the pandemic, and plots and houses in the capital region’s commuter belt were on everyone’s mind.
She had to consider other options. One day, Ulla called a friend and said she’d decided to buy a summer cottage where she could fulfill her dream of having a yard. She already had a couple of prospects in mind.
Ulla’s friend mentioned a listing she’d seen on Facebook. Ulla saw photos of a cabin decorated with 1980s leather armchairs and old ryijy rugs, which didn’t look too promising. But her persistent friend convinced her to drive to the location.
Ulla agreed and drove there that same week. The cabin was stuffed with belongings, but she could see its potential. She made an offer on the cabin, with the condition of immediate access. The then-owner was moving further away, and the condition suited them perfectly.
As a woman of action, Ulla got straight to work. In one weekend, with her mother’s help, the cabin was transformed into a serene retreat that reflected Ulla’s style.
“We donated two full vanloads of stuff to a local flea market,” Ulla recalls.
The transformation was dramatic yet affordable. The cabin was scrubbed from floor to ceiling, and a coat of paint completed the look. A pine cabinet was given a beautiful sage-green finish, and a bright green dining table was repainted with a sleek black surface.
In Ulla’s view, old objects add wonderful layers and personality.
“Old things hold stories, an ambience, and a soul that new items just don’t have. Here, everything is a thrift find except for the rugs and duvet covers.”
at the cabin Ulla’s treasured hobby of hunting for treasures at flea markets reached new heights when she opened her own vintage shop on Instagram. Both the concept and execution were cheered on by friends who were already used to receiving photos of her thrift finds.
“I’m not really the selling type. I do this more to share inspiration and pass along vintage finds beyond my circle of friends. I also love taking pictures of beautiful objects here. Little by little, I let others peek into the cabin’s atmosphere.”
The exterior of the log cabin has 1970s influences, but the sturdy log walls hint at an older origin.
“The hand-hewn logs come from a cabin originally built in the late 1800s near Helsinki. It was moved to this spot in 1976.”
“There’s no rush whatsoever, because stress doesn’t belong in this cabin.”
The previous owners took good care of the building, so Ulla has only done some surface renovations. Next, she plans to seal the log joints with linen insulation and repaint the house. She’s also thinking about a kitchen renovation.
“There’s no hurry in that either, because stress doesn’t belong here. So far, I’ve mostly just thinned out the trees on the property and opened up the porch.”
“A lot of people ask if I ever get scared, but what on earth would I be afraid of?”
In the summer water runs to the shower and kitchen, but in winter, it’s carried from the well and heated on the stove. In winter, Ulla visits the cabin alone more often than in summer, and there’s something wonderful about that too.
“The neighbors are really nice, but in winter, I also relish the incredible tranquility of being here all by myself. People often ask if I get frightened, but what would I be scared of? On the contrary, I feel really safe here.”
Ulla loves warmth, and she can switch on the air-source heat pump remotely. Although electricity bills have gone up a lot, cabin time is so precious that she would rather save money elsewhere than skimp on heating costs.
Ulla admits to being a Christmas person, who delights in decorating for the season, in the scents that come with it, and in giving gifts. For all three Christmases since she purchased the cabin, they’ve spent it right here. Joining them are Väinö, Ulla’s mother, and Väinö’s paternal grandparents.
“Remarkably, the setting has always been magically snow-covered—like something straight out of Narnia!”
“These log walls have supported me through so much already.”
For Väinö, the highlight of getting ready for Christmas is felling a tree in the cabin’s yard. The first tree he cut down, with his mom’s help, was when he was four and a half, and they’ve continued the tradition ever since. Several small spruces are left to grow for future Christmases.
Ulla feels the cabin is a sort of therapy cabin for her.
“These log walls have been there for me so many times. Although many modern comforts are missing, even the everyday chores here are relaxing.”
And Ulla isn’t the only one who finds joy in it. She keeps in touch with the cabin’s previous owner, who occasionally drops by to revisit the setting of her childhood.
“When she stepped inside for the first time since selling, she couldn’t believe what I’d done. Then she said the place’s value had soared!”
