Holiday home of the week: a minimalist Finnish ‘mökki’ in the woods

Venture deep into the heart of Finland’s wilderness to discover this modern ‘mökki’ cabin by Carla Gertz which sits on the shores of Lake Santara.

Mökki Santara is a modern spin on the simple and small lakeside huts that dot the Karelia region. Its blackened skin helps it blend into its tree-covered backdrop, while interiors are a deliberate contrast with blonde spruce walls and floors.

Living spaces across the Finnish holiday home – available to rent via Holiday Architecture from €140 per night – are open plan, but the bedroom can be divided via sliding partitions.

The woodland retreat is around a three-hour drive from Helsinki and is a gateway to foraging and hiking trails in warmer months. In winter, guests can enjoy ice fishing, ice skating and cross country snowshoeing followed by a steam session in the cabin’s private sauna, with panoramic views over the lake.

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