The fells of Lapland outshone the coastal scenery
A lakeside cottage is the dream of many Finns. For Tiia and Karri Leskinen’s family, however, that dream took a completely different turn when they fell in love with Äkäslompolo and the scenery of Yllästunturi. For the family, who live in Vantaa, their Lapland retreat became a 120-square-meter log cabin where they enjoy spending time all year round.
The call of the fells became irresistible
The idea of having a vacation home in Lapland came from a neighbor. He had built a cottage in Äkäslompolo and invited the Leskinen family to spend a vacation there in the winter of 2021. The first visit sparked their interest, and a second vacation solidified the idea: they could build their own place here.
The family began looking for a lot in Äkäslompolo where they could enjoy nature and the outdoors regardless of the season. They found a suitable building site in early 2023. The plot, measuring just over 1,500 square meters, is located near a friend’s vacation home, in the typical forest landscape of Yllästunturi. Reindeer roam freely in the yard, and the snow-capped fells are visible in the landscape for much of the year.
The log cabin was designed specifically for the Leskinen family
They wanted authentic log construction as the building material. While comparing home builders, Karri’s colleague recommended Ollikainen Log Construction based on his own experience. The collaboration began to take shape toward the end of 2023, and by the beginning of the following year, the plans for the mountain cabin were starting to take their final form. The Leskinen family’s cabin was designed by architect Memmu Pitkänen.
Construction began in the spring of 2025. Karri actively participated in the construction project and did much of the interior work himself in his free time. Among other things, he installed the floors and partition walls, finished the log and panel walls, and installed the built-in fixtures. Ollikainen’s work crew erected the log frame, installed the doors and windows, and ensured that the building was protected from the elements.
The result was a log cabin with a loft, designed to meet the family’s needs, featuring three bedrooms and a total of nine sleeping spots. In addition to the 120 square meters of living space, the loft provides extra room. Attached to the cabin are an outdoor storage shed, a carport, and a large covered terrace.
The steep gabled roof blends naturally into the Äkäslompolo landscape. The large end windows in the living areas offer views of the fell landscape, and the interior is filled with natural light.
The timeless interior design is perfect for vacations all year round
The villa’s interior design emphasized durability, comfort, and a harmonious overall look. Black accents were chosen to complement the light-colored walls: the interior doors and the kitchen are black, and the floors feature large, timeless gray tiles.
The kitchen was designed to accommodate larger groups as well. The Leskinen family had been pleased with the Noblessa kitchen in their home in Vantaa, so they chose the same manufacturer for their mountain cabin. The spacious and well-equipped kitchen makes it possible to cook for even larger groups.
For heating, an air-to-water heat pump was chosen, since it was not possible to drill a geothermal well on the property. The Linnatuli convection fireplace, with its heat-retaining firebox, adds ambiance and provides quick additional heat.
The vacation home was ready for use in February, and we spent our first vacation there during May Day week. The plan is to visit Lapland year-round—not just for vacations, but also for long weekends.
There’s plenty to do in Äkäslompolo all year round. In the summer, visitors can enjoy biking and the fells; in the winter, the ski trails and slopes beckon. What’s important to families is the chance to spend time together in the midst of nature and find meaningful activities no matter the season.
The Leskinen log cabin was designed for a location where nature plays a prominent role. There’s no need for a lakeside here—the fells are enough.
The Leskinen Family's Log Cabin in Lapland
Ollikainen's "Shelter from the Weather" Home Package
A 120 m² log cabin with a loft in Äkäslompolo
Three bedrooms and nine beds
The large end windows offer a view of the fell landscape
A large covered terrace, an outdoor storage shed, and a carport
A complex designed for year-round recreational use
Would you like to read more inspiring stories about construction? Check out our other projects!
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