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Description
Our old farmhouse is located just 10 km from the Lapland border, in the heart of the national parks of Oulanka, Riisitunturi, and Salla in Northern Kuusamo. We are a Dutch–Finnish couple with a strong desire to live close to nature, respecting old self-sufficient and sustainable ways of living. We are both nature and wilderness guides, working as independent small entrepreneurs.
We are open-minded and respect all people who have a kind and hard-working attitude, regardless of the weather conditions.
We live by the Arctic seasons. In summer, we prepare all the firewood to keep us warm during winter. We pick berries, plants, and herbs from the forest and hope to find more time for fishing to fill our freezers for the winter. Winter is a time of magical light during kaamos, the dark season: amazing stars, Northern Lights, plenty of snow, and cold temperatures. In summer, we experience endless daylight as the sun does not set at all.
Martijn “Saukko” is a musher, and we have started our own small family kennel of sled dogs, all Arctic breeds. The dogs mean a lot to us, and we make sure they are well cared for, get plenty of exercise, and enjoy happy playtime with people as well. All of the dogs are still young and we are focusing on training them. We do not run a commercial kennel. This is a home to all of us and no any customers are hopping around here!
There is always a lot to do here. Next summer, we plan to expand the dogs’ running area, prepare firewood for winter, further develop the husky kennel, carry out some renovations, cleaning, and small gardening projects.
When staying with us, you will receive full board. We are not able to pay money, but we share our food, and you will receive at least breakfast and one warm meal daily.
Welcome to stay with us, Martijn “Saukko” & Krista
You can find our story here (please ask us for the link).
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Interests
Sustainability
Culture
Farming
Pets
Politics / Social justice
DIY & crafts
History
Music
Books
Cooking & food
Art & design
Animals
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Nature
Yoga / Wellness
Winter sports
Camping
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
A deep dive into Finnish culture and nature with a Dutch twist.
We are completely addicted to sauna. Unfortunately, the house has only a small sauna, but it has great löyly, so it is always a pleasure to use. During summer, we will also set up a tent sauna for a different kind of outdoor sauna experience.
“Saukko” is an amazing singer, though a bit shy about it, and dreams of having his own band just for fun. All musicians are more than welcome!
Help
Types of Help and Learning Opportunities:
• Gardening help
• DIY and small building projects
• Animal care
• Farm stay help
• Help around the house
• General tasks
• House- and dog-sitting
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Finnish: Fluent
Dutch: Fluent
German: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
• Finnish: Fluent • English: Fluent • Dutch: Fluent • German: Intermediate • Swedish: Intermediate • French: Beginner
Accommodation
We live quite far from services. The only public transport nearby is a daily connection between Kemijärvi and Kuusamo. From our place, it is 58 km to Kuusamo, where you can find larger shops. The closest small shop is in the village of Käylä, 20 km away.
We have two extra bedrooms, each with two beds. Shared facilities include a kitchen, living room, toilet, sauna/shower, and a summer kitchen outdoors. If the house is full, you might have to share a room with one of the dogs — we hope you don’t mind!
The house itself is not fancy, but everything works: running water, electricity (most of the time), and basic comforts.
What else ...
During your free time, we do our best to help you explore the surrounding natural wonders. If you have a driving licence, we can lend you a car or drive you to different national parks so you can make the most of your stay.
In summer, we have canoes and a rowing boat to explore Lake Kitka directly from our shore.
Places to visit:
- Oulanka National Park
- Riisitunturi National Park
- Salla National Park
- Ruka
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Internet access is not always reliable!
Space for parking camper vans
We have space for campers to park but no other services that might be needed.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Kaamos, Juuma, Lemmy, Patsy, Kiti and Tarmo
Two in house dogs, rest are arctic breed sled dogs.
Photos
