Dream Life in Uusikaupunki
- Leena and Mikael Renholm enjoy both the countryside and the sea. In Uusikaupunki, life offers a perfect balance of both.
The Renholms became the owners of the old Päiväranta school in Arvassalo nearly twenty years ago. The couple was looking for their own house, but their primary target was a small, quaint cottage.
When mutual friends mentioned that the Päiväranta school was going up for sale, the Renholms decided to take a look at the property.
-It was pretty much a done deal right away, says Leena Renholm.
The couple was charmed by the authentic condition of the country school. The school, built in 1901, hadn’t been renovated during the renovation craze of the 1970s, and the building, perched on a rock, had retained its character. Now, the house is undergoing a second round of renovations in many parts.
For the Renholms, part of the old school’s charm is its long history and a certain creative nonchalance.
-The stories of an old house add a unique charm to it. And when it comes to an old building, not every corner needs to be perfect. Life is allowed to show, Leena reflects.
In addition to their day jobs, the Renholms ran a transport business in the archipelago of Uusikaupunki for several summers. Although the business has since ended, their desire for the sea remained strong.
-We were browsing available properties when we came across a cottage on Vähä-Vehasen Island. One day, while out boating, we decided to take a look, Leena recounts. I burst into tears as soon as we reached the pier. That was it once again.
The residents of Päiväranta school found a place called Kesäranta in the outer archipelago. Expansive rocks, a traditional log cabin, and a view opening to the open sea.
Everything felt instantly right.
For both Leena and Mikael, their beloved hometown has provided the perfect setting for a life that truly reflects them – a charming everyday life in the old country school and a sense of freedom in the archipelago at their own cottage shore.
In Uusikaupunki, life is easy and carefree, just the right size.
There are good services here, everything you need can be found in our hometown. And Uusikaupunki is a wonderful historic town that also dares to look to the future, Leena Renholm summarizes.
The Old Houses of Uusikaupunki 7–8 September 2024 (Visit Uusikaupunki)
