**In a stunning twist of fortune, a young couple has achieved their dream by purchasing an uninhabited island in Finland—at a cost lower than a house deposit.**
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**Oliver Russell, 24, who splits his time between America and Finland, and his girlfriend, Helena Tomaszewska, 20, have embarked on an extraordinary adventure.**
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**This unique story began with Oliver’s frequent summer trips to Finland from his home in Laguna Beach, California.**
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**With dreams of moving to Helsinki, he made the leap in 2022 after struggling to secure inter-state tuition in the U.S. for international business studies.**
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**Oliver’s decision to relocate from Fort Collins, Colorado, was driven by his desire to immerse himself in Finnish culture and education.**
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**Once settled in Finland, he met Helena, and together they began envisioning a life beyond the typical urban experience.**
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**Instead of shelling out for a cramped, expensive flat in the city, the couple dreamed bigger—and much cheaper.**
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**They discovered their slice of paradise after finding an island listed for just $36,569 (£27,712), which had been vacant for a decade.**
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**Oliver recounts, “I was casually browsing real estate websites and stumbled upon the island. It was cheaper than a regular lot, so we jumped on it.”**
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**He made an offer of $31,000 (£23,492) and was thrilled when it was accepted.**
**By June 2024, Oliver and Helena arrived at their new island home, only to find it was a blank slate—uninhabitable but full of potential.**
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**Undeterred, they set to work building a rudimentary shelter using logs they felled themselves, and decking from a local hardware store.**
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**Oliver shared their progress: “We built an outhouse and are now working on a shower structure to make our stay more comfortable.”**
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**Their weekend escapades have turned into a project of passion as they work towards creating a summer cottage complete with a traditional Finnish sauna.**
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**Oliver elaborates, “Our ultimate goal is to construct a log cabin for the summer, but first, we need to build the sauna cabin. According to local regulations, one-third of the plot must be dedicated to a sauna.”**
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**They haven’t imposed strict deadlines, acknowledging the learning curve and the challenge of balancing their studies with island life.**
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**Despite the hurdles, Oliver finds the experience rewarding: “Every visit to the island feels surreal. It’s incredibly quiet and private, which makes it all the more special.”**
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**To understand the allure of this Finnish island, let’s explore the cultural backdrop that inspired this extraordinary purchase.**
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**The tradition of summer cottages, or “mökki” in Finnish, is deeply rooted in Finnish culture.**
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**For centuries, Finns have cherished the retreat to serene lake islands and remote cottages as a way to escape city life and reconnect with nature.**
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**These summer retreats are more than just getaways—they’re an integral part of Finnish identity and well-being.**
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**Oliver’s fascination with this aspect of Finnish culture influenced his decision to seek out a summer cottage of his own.**
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**The allure of owning an island, with its promise of isolation and natural beauty, fit perfectly with his dream of integrating into Finnish life.**
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**His choice to forgo a city apartment for a remote island highlights the growing trend among young people to seek unique, affordable living spaces.**
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**In addition to embracing Finnish traditions, Oliver and Helena’s story underscores the possibilities of finding hidden gems in the real estate market.**
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**Their island purchase reflects a broader trend of unconventional living solutions, driven by a desire for personal space and natural surroundings.**
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**With their island project still underway, the couple continues to invest time and effort into turning their vision into reality.**
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**They face the dual challenge of student life and island life but remain committed to their dream.**
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**The couple’s experience serves as an inspiring example of how ambition and cultural passion can lead to extraordinary opportunities.**
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**As Oliver and Helena build their dream summer home, their story captures the imagination of those who yearn for a slice of paradise.**
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**Stay tuned as we follow their progress and see how their island adventure unfolds in the coming months.**
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**Their journey not only highlights the magic of Finnish summer cottages but also the potential for anyone to find their own unique haven.**
