A young couple has discovered an unexpected answer to the difficulties posed by the housing market. In a surprising turn, they chose an unconventional living space that has captured many’s curiosity.
Oliver Russell, 24, and his girlfriend Helena Tomaszewska, 20, have chosen an unusual way on their journey to owning a home. The couple acquired a deserted island for a price lower than what many typically spend on a home down payment.
Oliver, with his mixed American and Finnish heritage, enjoyed numerous summers in Finland during his childhood. He appreciated the rich culture and stunning landscapes of the country while spending quality time with family and friends.
Having spent his formative years in Laguna Beach, California, Oliver made the transition to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2020. He aimed to qualify for interstate tuition but encountered obstacles in achieving that objective.
In August 2022, Oliver took a significant step by relocating to Helsinki, Finland. As a Finnish citizen, he enjoyed the benefits of complementary education while working towards his degree in international business.
In Helsinki, he encountered Helena, and the two swiftly established a connection. The couple quickly started contemplating their future and strategizing on how to navigate through the costly housing market.
Like many young couples, they discovered that purchasing a conventional home appeared impossible to achieve. In an intriguing twist during their laid-back property hunt, they wandered upon an uninhabited island.
The island, sitting empty for more than a decade, has been put on the market for $36,569 (£27,712). In a surprising turn of events, Oliver and Helena successfully negotiated the price down to $31,000 (£23,492).
“I was looking more for fun,” Oliver shared about their surprising find. “It ended up being cheaper than a normal lot I could buy, so we jumped on it.”
The two-and-a-half-acre island, while picturesque, was not prepared for living conditions. During their initial trip to the island in June 2024, Oliver and Helena found it enveloped in lush trees and vibrant moss.
Despite the island’s condition, they remained resolute and began their efforts without delay. Their initial objective was to establish a base camp that would provide them with a comfortable stay for their upcoming visits.
“We made a frame out of logs that we felled from trees,” Oliver explained. A hardware store was also visited to purchase decking materials to build a platform for their tent.
The couple aims to construct a summer cottage on the island as part of their long-term plans. A sauna ranks prominently on their list, reflecting the significant cultural value of saunas in Finland.
“In Finland, the summer cottage life is a huge part of the culture,” Oliver said. He stated that incorporating a personal sauna would fulfill their vision for the island.
Oliver and Helena, filled with excitement, encounter numerous obstacles while pursuing their aspirations. Students have a finite amount of time and are just beginning to navigate the construction process.
“Felling a tree, for example, I had never done that before until now,” Oliver admitted. “And it can be pretty dangerous, but we’re learning as we go.”
The couple has dedicated the majority of their weekends to the island, engaging in a variety of projects. To date, they have constructed a deck, an outhouse, and are currently in the process of developing a shower structure.
“We wanted to get the base camp set up so we have a comfortable place to stay,” Oliver said. Next year, they plan on focusing on greater construction projects, such as the cottage.
One of their pressing responsibilities is to construct a sauna cabin, in accordance with local regulations. In Finland, it’s a prevalent practice for residences to feature saunas, and the couple is eager to embrace this custom.
Oliver and Helena continue to hold a positive outlook, even with the challenges that await them. “We haven’t set ourselves super-hard deadlines,” Oliver shared, “but there have been a lot of learning experiences.”
Their narrative underscores the evolving perspectives of youth regarding the idea of owning a home. The couple’s choice to buy an island showcases their innovative and non-traditional approach.
“Every time we go to the island, it doesn’t feel real that it’s ours,” Oliver said. “It is so nice to be out there—it’s so quiet, and because it’s an island, nobody can stumble across it.”
Oliver and Helena’s journey illustrates the diverse realities of homeownership. Their unique island residence provides tranquility, seclusion, and limitless opportunities.
Currently, their island is still developing, yet the couple relishes each moment of the journey. They are constructing more than just a residence; it embodies their daring nature and fearless decisions.
Their story brings a refreshing perspective to a housing market that frequently appears out of reach. They have demonstrated that with ingenuity and resolve, even a deserted island can transform into a residence
Feature Image Credit: (SWNS)
