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I guess I ought to say a few words about myself, as you have kindly visited my site.

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My name is Neil and I love nature and being close to water. I am a yoga teachery, Shinrin-yoku guide and SUP instructor, as well as a keen swimmer and runner. I am married to an amazing and wonderful person - Helena.

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After spending 25+ years in the IT industry I wanted to devote my time to something more wholesome and nature based. This sentiment was shared by Helena as well. We felt that the balance wasn't quite right in the UK and that we needed a change. 

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The masterplan was always to escape to Finland and after 20+ years talking about it, we have finally become custodians of a small chunk of Finland, within keski-suomi. We consider it a privilege and honor to be able to enjoy and protect this wonderful slice of wilderness. 

 

The area in question has around 50 acres of spruce, pine & birch, including a small lake. The log cabin that we live in dates back to 1884 and needs a great deal of TLC. We are starting the renovations in Spring 2024 and hope to document our journey - highs & lows.

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The goal is to run a nature-based getaway, including yoga / paddle boarding / foraging / bush skills / forest bathing and wilderness adventures and of course offer accommodation. We want to be as ecological & 'green' as possible, and as self-sufficient as the climate/environment allows....which given the long cold winters can be a challenge. This winter we arrived to -28 degrees!

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As at the time of writing it is early 2024 and we have only just arrived. We have now sorted our 'running water' - from our own well, but there is LOADS to do. We reckon the renovations & land management will take a few years, until it is suitable for paying guests - but we are looking forward to the journey. This can be followed here: Where the Wild Things Play - YouTube

 

We will start with bell tents and summer rooms (2025), with perhaps the eventual goal of having some 'solid structures to offer our guests (2026). We will run courses, host events and offer wilderness retreats to hopefully unwind and reconnect with the nature.

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The only other titbit I can offer, is that I really enjoy mucking about with wood. Whether it be pallets or carving bowls/figures/spoons. I am rather average, but it helps me relax...and I now have an endless supply of wood :-).

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Thanks for reading & I will keep you posted on our adventures.

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