Home economics

Reverie or reality – these two European bolt-holes will get you dreaming

Reality

FINLAND

CASH PADS you’ll sleep like
a log in this Finnish hideaway.

If you fancy a bit of splendid isolation — and love the smell of pine — the lodges of Pulkkilanharju, 152km from Tampere in Finland, are sure to inspire you. The three identical properties, each sleeping up to eight, opened in July last year and are named after the owner’s children. Stay in Lake Shore of Roope, Blueberry Twig of Selja or Hillside of Aleksi.

The lodges were constructed using pine logs, but the real selling point is the amazing view to the clean, blue waters of Lake Päijänne, which look equally impressive from the lakeside sauna. Guests so far have come from Finland, Russia, England, Germany, Italy, Greece and Sweden.

Not far from the lodges are the ridges of the Päijänne National Park, where you can hike all day. There is golf 10km away at Vääksy and in winter you can skate on the lake or ski at Lahti, 35km away. Other activities, like fishing, swimming, riding, diving, rowing, sailing and foraging for mushrooms in the forest are all within reach. Now if only you could get out of that sau na.

Rent is €360-€510 per weekend or €820-€1,320 per week. The lodges are not for sale, but are worth €500,000 each.

Tel: +358 (0)4 0703 1774, www.pulkkilanharju.net

Fantasy

ITALY

keep your boat out the
back of this James
Bond-style Italian
palace

When you reach that stage in life — lottery win/obscene inheritance/strike gold while digging up the patio — you could do worse than to invest your wealth in a smart residence in Venice.

The 14th-century Palazzo Donà is a magical property tucked away at the edge of Campo San Polo, with architectural features that include Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance. In fact, the house has been designated an historic monument.

With a classic courtyard and commanding views of the campo from the front balcony and the Albrizzi garden across a canal at the rear, the property is elegant and quiet.

It measures over 500m2, and has two main bedrooms. After ascending the entrance staircase, you’ll be struck by the opulence of the gallery’s ceiling, not to mention the artist’s studio, study and living room, with squashy sofas. There’s also a private boat mooring and water gate, perfect for slipping away to go and get the milk. The property is currently on the market at €3.6m.

Tel: +44 (0)20 8878 1130, www.venice-estates.com

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 15th, 2007 at 1:00 am and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.