In a unique response to soaring housing prices, Oliver Russell and his girlfriend Helena Tomaszewska opted to purchase an uninhabited island in Finland instead of a traditional house. After realizing that buying a home in Helsinki was out of reach, the couple stumbled upon an island for sale at a price that was cheaper than a typical lot. Priced at just $36,569, the 2.5-acre island had been vacant for over a decade, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the adventurous duo. Russell, who had developed a love for Finland’s summer cottage culture during his childhood visits, saw this as the perfect way to fulfill his dream of owning a summer retreat. With no experience in off-grid living, the pair has embraced the challenge of transforming their island into a livable space. Their initial steps included setting up a floating tent and adding an outhouse and off-grid shower.

Despite their lack of experience, Russell and Tomaszewska have shown remarkable dedication to their island project, visiting weekly to make steady progress while balancing their studies. Their long-term vision includes building a log cabin and sauna, as required by Finnish building regulations, although they are taking their time with no strict deadlines. The couple plans to continue their work on the island throughout the changing seasons, preparing for colder months by sourcing firewood to keep them warm during winter stays. Their off-grid adventure has become a labor of love, and Russell reflects on how surreal it feels to own such a unique space. Through their journey, they have inspired others seeking alternative housing solutions, and sharing updates of their progress on social media.