On Finland’s southern coast, between the windswept beaches of Hanko and the charming seaside town of Ekenäs, Skogshyddan AIR offers both atmospheric accommodation and a year-round residency for artists, researchers and creative professionals. Set inside a beautifully restored century-old log house by the sea, it is a place designed equally for deep creative work and complete relaxation.

In the tiny village of Skogby, where only a handful of permanent residents live and the sea is just steps away, visitors can settle into either deep creative work or a slower coastal stay in a beautifully restored century-old wooden house.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

The story begins with a house that had been abandoned for 20 years. When Susanna Kankare first bought the old timber building, it was meant to be her retirement dream: a place where she could slow down and enjoy a quieter pace of life. But the house, and the life that grew around it, had other plans.

Before long, she had moved in with her family, lovingly restoring the building over the years, room by room. Today, she shares the house with her children, dogs, cats and chickens, giving it a warmth that sets the experience apart from a conventional residency or holiday stay.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

Year-round, the house welcomes artists, researchers, cultural professionals and creative teams for residency periods, typically lasting around a month, and families are welcome too. “I dreamt of creating my own artist residency for a long time, and eventually I decided it was time to turn that dream into reality,” says Kankare.

One of the residency’s greatest strengths is Kankare herself. With a background spanning design, cultural networks, project work and people-centred facilitation, she is an active and dedicated host, helping connect residents with local and international artists, researchers, galleries and collaborators across multiple fields.

During the summer months, the house’s four apartments are also available as atmospheric accommodation for other visitors looking for a slower coastal escape – whether for a weekend of archipelago exploration, a longer summer stay, or a few restorative days by the sea.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

The luxury of stillness

This merger of inspiring, creative workspace and peaceful getaway is part of the place’s appeal. Creative guests have the privacy needed for serious artistic or focused academic work, while holidaymakers are drawn by the same calmness, surrounding nature and warm hospitality.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

The sea is just a stone’s throw from the house, and the forest begins at the edge of the garden. The surrounding archipelago opens out into sandy beaches, rocky coves and kayaking routes, all within easy reach. Guests can borrow bicycles and kayaks, spend evenings in the sauna, or occasionally join the Kankare family on boat trips through the surrounding waters.

The house has four self-contained apartments, each with a living room, modern kitchen, bathroom and fireplace. | Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

The house has four self-contained apartments, each with a living room, modern kitchen, bathroom and fireplace.

In summer, guests spend their days swimming, walking in the archipelago, enjoying dinners at local village restaurants or taking spontaneous day trips to Turku, the iconic seaside town of Hanko, or the design haven of Fiskars Village.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

Skogshyddan’s large backyard provides the perfect setting for a summer kitchen, where communal dinners and shared cooking sessions give guests the chance to get to know one another as well as the Kankare family. These informal evenings often become a natural extension of residencies and getaways, bringing together visitors over food, conversation and the famous Nordic nightless nights.

This summer, the concept expands further with accommodation aboard a former archipelago cruise vessel moored safely in Skogby’s old harbour. Staying in its cabins offers the cosy experience of falling asleep to the sound of waves and a gentle sea breeze.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

A house that honours its past

The house includes four self-contained apartments, each thoughtfully updated for contemporary living with a living room, modern kitchen, bathroom and a fireplace. Shared spaces include a communal lounge, courtyard sauna and a laundry room.

Part of the charm lies in how thoughtfully the building has been restored. Rather than stripping away its age in pursuit of polished luxury, Kankare chose a slower, more responsible approach that prioritises sustainability, excellent indoor air quality and respect for the original architecture.

Traces of the building’s long life remain visible in its original log walls, giving the interiors warmth and authenticity. At the same time, the apartments are fully suited for modern living year-round, with wood heating and air-source heat pumps ensuring comfort in winter and coolness during summer heatwaves.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

Remote yet perfectly connected

Despite its sense of remoteness, Skogby is surprisingly easy to reach. There is a direct train connection to the village, with both Helsinki and Turku just over an hour away. “It is, at the same time, in the middle of nowhere, yet perfectly connected,” Kankare says.

There is also plenty to see and explore in the wider Raasepori region. Medieval castle ruins, the design legacy of Fiskars Village, Ekenäs’ Old Town with its wooden houses, Mustio Manor and the beautiful Ekenäs Archipelago National Park all offer inspiration within easy reach.

Whether visiting for a focused residency period or a restorative coastal holiday, Skogshyddan’s magic lies in the sense of remoteness, the stillness of the surrounding nature and the easy opportunities to meet and connect with others. “We can say with a good conscience that we have all the ingredients for a good life here,” Kankare says.

Skogshyddan AIR: A place to work, rest and breathe

www.skogshyddanair.com
Instagram: @skogshyddan_air

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