For days now, I can’t stop thinking about this woman’s story. Her home, not my style at all, has nothing to do with Scandinavian minimalism. But her journey to live here is truly inspiring. At 71, she transformed a derelict mill into a beautiful home-gallery after years of hard work and challenges. Despite doubts and obstacles, including two strokes, she doesn’t regret the decision she made when she was 51. A true testament to perseverance and dreams come true! ✨
For several days now, I can’t stop thinking about the story of this remarkable woman. Her home, which is nothing like my own taste, doesn’t fit into the world of Scandinavian minimalism.
But the journey she took to get to live in this house truly fascinates me.
At 71 years old, Hilkka’s story is nothing short of inspiring. She spent most of her life in Turku, Finland, working as an artist for various companies.
When the time came for retirement, she made a bold decision — to sell her apartment and become a full-time artist.
She started selling her unique glass paintings on her own. Though the income was modest (even now, her works sell for just 8-10 euros), it was enough to cover basic expenses and pay off her loans.
But it wasn’t until her 51st year that she made an extraordinary leap. Hilkka stunned everyone by deciding to radically change her life.
She sold her apartment in Turku, borrowed money from her brother, and took out a loan to purchase an old mill in the small town where she grew up. The goal was clear: turn it into a home-gallery where she could live, paint, and welcome visitors.
The mill, which had been abandoned for decades, was a run-down building from the 1920s, surrounded by tall weeds. No one believed that she could make this dream a reality. The building had stood unused for years and cost a significant amount of money. On top of that, major renovations were required. Hilkka sold everything — her apartment, her car, jewelry, and furniture. All she kept was a bicycle and a single set of clothes.
The reconstruction took an incredible 10 years. The first year was dedicated to clearing the land, and the work inside the building seemed endless. They partially dismantled the structure, insulated the roof, and installed underfloor heating.
Throughout this journey, Hilkka faced many personal challenges, including a broken ankle and two ischemic strokes. Despite everything, she never gave up.
Today, the old mill is her true home. The first floor is now an art studio and gallery, while the second floor serves as her living space. Hilkka admits that she doubted her decision at times, but now, at 71, she has no regrets. This old mill is the dream home she’s always longed for. 🌟
