Historic countryside schoolhouse for gatherings, retreats & celebrations

Welcome to a former Finnish village school built over 100 years ago, now converted into a spacious countryside residence in Hartola. The building proudly carries its history and offers a warm, unique atmosphere you won’t find in modern houses. Surrounded by peaceful rural scenery, the property provides privacy, space, and a memorable setting for gatherings, retreats, celebrations, or relaxed holidays with family and friends. The main building offers approximately 300 m² of usable space and accommodates up to 15 guests. Upstairs, there are three separate sleeping areas. The largest suite consists of three rooms with flexible sleeping arrangements, including a double bed, single beds, loft beds, and an alcove sleeping area, as well as a private chemical WC. The second sleeping area is a spacious bedroom with a double bed, single bed, and a children’s travel bed. The third suite includes two rooms with a double bed and three single beds and also has its own private chemical WC. In total, the house provides 15 sleeping places, making it ideal for extended families, groups of friends, or guests attending nearby events. Downstairs you will find generous common areas designed for spending time together, including a fully equipped kitchen, dining room for shared meals, comfortable living room, utility room, hobby or activity space, and two separate WCs. These shared spaces allow everyone to gather comfortably for dinners, celebrations, workshops, or relaxed evenings together. There is a children's play corner in the attic for children to enjoy. However, you have to climb steep stairs with no gate, so the presence of adults is essential. The property also features a separate sauna building, where guests can enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna experience. The sauna building includes a sauna, shower room, dressing room, and WC. After a day outdoors, it offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy a classic Finnish sauna evening. Outside, the spacious yard provides plenty of room to enjoy the countryside. Guests can gather in the pergola for outdoor dining, spend evenings by the fire at the laavu and campfire area, or use the open lawn areas for games, outdoor activities, and summer gatherings. The property can also serve as a beautiful setting for small countryside weddings, retreats, and group celebrations. Guests have access to the main building, sauna facilities, and the surrounding yard area. Some spaces on the property, such as the wood workshop, certain storage rooms, and parts of the sauna building (including the kitchen and main room), are not part of the guest area. The house is located in Ruskeala in Hartola, surrounded by quiet countryside and nature. Despite the peaceful setting, the property is conveniently located close to Highway 4 (E75), making it easy to reach by car. The center of Hartola, with grocery stores and other services, is about a five-minute drive away. Arriving by car is recommended, as public transportation options in the area are very limited. There is plenty of parking space available on the property. This historic building has over a century of history, and its character reflects that. The toilet facilities are ecological bio or chemical toilets rather than standard plumbed toilets, which is common in older countryside buildings. The property offers a charming rural atmosphere rather than a modern hotel environment. Guests will have the property to themselves during their stay, but we are always available through call or email if you have any questions. If needed, assistance at the property can also be arranged, but please note that we do not have instant response available due to the remote location. Whether you are planning a family reunion, retreat, birthday celebration, workshop, or an intimate countryside wedding, this former village school offers a unique and memorable setting in the Finnish countryside.

Where you’ll be

Vuorenkyläntie 7, 19600 Hartola