Back to the Roots: The Rebirth of Hauhia Mill
When I hit the start of my "second 50 years," something shifted. I felt a profound need to get back to basics. Enough with the constant hustle and bustle—I craved tranquility, balance, and a deeper connection with nature. Perhaps, in a way, I was searching for the uncomplicated happiness of my childhood.
Fate, it seems, had a plan. After my father passed away, I inherited a small piece of land in Hauhia village. My initial thought was simple: maybe I’ll build a little cabin here. Then the phone rang. It was my nephew: "Would you be interested in buying the entire Hauhia Mill area instead?"
Suddenly, I was looking at the landscape of my youth: a watermill, a sawmill, an original 1860s log house, a cowhouse, a sauna, and... 900 statues created by Sylvi Hauhia. I thought about it for exactly two minutes. My answer was "Yes." At that moment, I had no idea how massive this project would become—but my heart knew it was the right move.
A Legacy Worth Preserving
After 1,5 years of intense renovation, the main house is finally back to its former glory. But as a lover of history and heritage, I knew my work was just beginning. One of the original builders of the mill was my great-grandfather, Emanuel Hauhia. Saving this mill isn't just a project; it’s a family duty.
We’ve already achieved some incredible milestones:
Taming the River: We redirected the river basin so that raging water and winter ice no longer batter the mill’s structures. More importantly, migratory fish can now swim freely up the river. This effort was honored as the Best Environmental Project of 2021 by the Regional Advisory Council for Environmental Policy.
A New Lease on Life: We’ve installed a new roof and reinforced the ancient log structures. Now, the upper floor breathes again as a charming café and art exhibition space.
The work is far from over—the mill, the sawmill, and the cowhouse still require plenty of love. (If anyone has a passion for heritage work and wants to lend a hand, you’re more than welcome! 😉)
Outsider Art and Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
The "Outsider Art" of Sylvi Hauhia is the soul of this place. Only recently have I truly grasped the strength and significance of her work. It rises from the peaceful yet rugged reality of country living, radiating a genuine, good-natured spirit.
We rechristened the cowhouse and its surroundings "Sylvi´s World." It has been open for 4 summers now, complete with our summer café—where my wife, Tuija, bakes the most legendary cinnamon rolls you’ll ever taste. Sorry it´s nowadays open only during our music festivals. We are committed to bringing even more art to the public; in 2022, we unveiled a stunning 25m² mural titled "Nähdä, See" by Victor Markelov and another one the next year. In 2026 we are opening a chainsaw art park, masterpieces from wood!
A Dream to be Shared
We want to share this sanctuary with the world. To offer a true escape, we built the "Angervo" glamping lodge, which boasts a breathtaking view over the Vaalimaanjoki river valley. And because we never truly stop building, 2024 saw the completion of the restored "Miller’s Cabin."
This is my dream, but it’s meant to be shared. I hope that our passion for this magnificent place brings a sense of peace, positive energy, and tranquility to every visitor who walks through our gates!
