In a world where homeownership often feels out of reach, some are finding creative solutions to make their dreams come true. The traditional path of saving for a house deposit can take years of sacrifice, only to find that even the “dream home” falls short of expectations. But for one adventurous couple, Oliver Russell and Helena Tomaszewska, the dream wasn’t a house at all—it was an entire island. In an unexpected twist, they discovered that purchasing their own piece of untouched paradise in Finland was not only possible but cheaper than the average house deposit. This is their story of turning an uninhabited island into their dream escape, where the journey becomes as fulfilling as the destination.
While most people spend years working toward owning a home, Oliver and Helena decided to break away from the conventional path. Their approach was bold, unpredictable, and packed with challenges, but it opened up a world of possibilities that most people wouldn’t even consider. From clearing out dense woods to building their own campsite from scratch, the couple embarked on a journey that transformed their vision of homeownership—and their lives.
The Road to Creativity – A Unique Approach to Home Ownership
In today’s housing market, saving for a house deposit can feel like climbing an endless mountain. Many young people, like Oliver and Helena, are faced with the harsh reality that even after years of saving, their dream home might still be out of reach. But instead of letting this discourage them, the couple decided to think outside the box—way outside the box.
While casually browsing an estate agent’s website for fun, Oliver came across something unexpected: an entire island for sale. The two-and-a-half-acre plot was located in Finland and, shockingly, cost less than what a typical house deposit would be. Intrigued by the opportunity, Oliver and Helena decided to take a leap of faith and make the purchase.
What started as a simple idea of finding a summer home led them to the possibility of owning something much more unique. Instead of the conventional brick-and-mortar home, they saw the island as a blank canvas, ready for them to create their ideal getaway from scratch. What made the idea even more appealing was Finland’s deep-rooted culture of summer cottages—small, serene retreats in nature where people escape the hustle and bustle of city life. For Oliver, who had spent summers in Finland growing up, the island seemed like the perfect way to blend his love for the country with his and Helena’s shared dream of a peaceful retreat.
They didn’t hesitate. Within a matter of months, the couple made the island theirs, proving that when it comes to finding your perfect home, sometimes you just need to embrace the unexpected.
Choosing an Island Over a Traditional Home
For most people, the idea of buying a house means finding a comfortable, well-built property in a suburban neighborhood or perhaps a city apartment. But for Oliver Russell and Helena Tomaszewska, that idea didn’t quite fit their vision of home. Instead, they chose something radically different—a two-and-a-half-acre island in Finland, purchased for $31,000. This wasn’t just any property; it was an uninhabited piece of land that had been vacant for over a decade, covered in dense trees and moss.
Oliver, who is half Finnish, had fond memories of summers spent in Finland, where the tradition of having a summer cottage is deeply embedded in the culture. The Finnish lifestyle celebrates nature and peaceful retreats away from the city, making their island purchase feel like a natural extension of that tradition. But what drew them most to this island was its seclusion and uniqueness. For the couple, having a place of their own, far from the noise and crowds, was the ultimate dream.
Though they originally set out to buy a simple summer home, they realized that an island offered them something much more—a sense of freedom and privacy that a conventional house couldn’t provide. In Finland, where the summer cottage culture thrives, owning an island was not just a practical decision but also a cultural experience. The quiet, isolation, and beauty of their island allowed them to create a personal haven, away from the pressures of daily life.
But buying an island wasn’t without its challenges. The land had been uninhabitable for years, and there were no structures in place to live in, let alone to relax. However, the couple viewed this as an opportunity rather than a setback. They envisioned transforming this raw, untouched land into their perfect summer retreat, where they could enjoy the beauty of nature and the luxury of solitude. It wasn’t just a property; it was the ultimate blank slate for their creativity and hard work.
@off.grid.island Hey! I’m Oliver and I bought an island in Finland. A lot of people have been asking who am I, where I’m from and why did I buy an island. This is a little different than all of our other videos, but I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself. I’m Finnish American and I live in Finland. I have also lived in the US growing up. I am doing this entire process with my girlfriend Helena, she is filming and editing all the videos you see. I bought an island because, surprisingly, islands are often cheaper than normal holidays lots here. Im assuming the reason for that is because it is a lot harder to transport materials and build on them. I never thought this would be possible, I have always dreamed of having my own island but have never found one until now. I found it on a Finnish real estate website – Oikotie. The process was pretty simple, I think it is like any other real estate transaction in Finland. I saw the listing, contacted the agent and visited the island during the winter. I liked it so I put in an offer, and after negotiations, we finally agreed on a price. Later, I got the island transferred into my name and I could officially call it mine. Thank you all for following, commenting, and giving us tips. We are still very early in the process and we would have never expected so many people watching us turn the island into our dream cottage. We want to post our progress as often as possible, but there is only the two of us and we can only go to the island so much. #finland #nordic #outdoors #offgrid #offgridliving #offgridlife #logcabin #logcabins #island #islandlife #islandliving #offgridisland #wood #woodworker #woodworking ♬ original sound – Off Grid Island 🌲
Building the Dream – A Journey of Trial and Error
Owning an island might sound like a dream come true, but for Oliver and Helena, it came with a steep learning curve. When they first stepped foot on their new island in June 2024, they were met with an uninhabitable, overgrown wilderness. The land had been vacant for over a decade, and the trees and moss had taken over, leaving no trace of a livable space. With no prior construction experience, the couple faced the daunting task of transforming this untouched terrain into their dream summer home.
The first step was to clear enough space for them to camp. Oliver, who had never felled a tree in his life, began cutting down the towering pines to make room. Armed with determination, he and Helena used logs from the trees to build a simple frame for their temporary home—a tent. They constructed decking using supplies from a local hardware store and eventually added an outhouse for basic amenities.
While their progress may have been slow, each step brought them closer to their vision. Their weekends were spent on the island, learning new skills as they went along. Neither of them had any experience in construction, which meant that every task was a first for them. From building a deck to designing a shower structure, everything they did was through trial and error. But instead of feeling discouraged, they embraced the learning process, turning each obstacle into a valuable lesson.
Despite the challenges, Oliver and Helena found joy in the work. Felling trees and building structures became bonding experiences, allowing them to grow closer as a couple. The island was not just a physical space but a project that tested their patience, resourcefulness, and determination. As they continued to camp on the island while working on their dream home, they learned the importance of flexibility and perseverance. It wasn’t just about the end result—it was about enjoying the journey along the way.
Perseverance and Patience – Lessons Learned Along the Way
Building a home from scratch, especially on an uninhabited island, comes with a unique set of challenges. Oliver and Helena quickly realized that success wasn’t just about hard work; it was about adaptability, patience, and a willingness to learn. Here are some of the most valuable lessons they’ve picked up along their journey:
Be Flexible with Your Goals
When tackling a project as large as building on an island, it’s easy to get caught up in rigid timelines and ambitious goals. However, Oliver and Helena discovered that flexibility was key. Initially, they had grand ideas for how quickly they wanted to progress, but they soon realized that each step took longer than expected. By letting go of strict deadlines, they were able to focus on making steady progress without unnecessary stress.
Embrace the Learning Process
Neither Oliver nor Helena had any background in construction, which made every task a new experience. Whether it was felling trees or setting up decking, they learned by doing. Mistakes were inevitable, but they saw them as part of the adventure. For anyone embarking on a similar journey, their advice is to accept that you won’t know everything at first, and that’s okay. Learning as you go can make the process more rewarding.
Budget for Surprises
While the island itself was an affordable purchase, the cost of building and setting up a livable space came with unexpected expenses. From tools to building materials, things added up quickly. Oliver and Helena learned to leave room in their budget for unforeseen costs. By planning ahead and staying financially flexible, they were able to handle any surprises that came their way.
Stay Motivated
Building a home on an island can be exhausting, especially when progress is slow. But staying motivated is crucial. For Oliver and Helena, the peace and quiet of their island, along with the vision of what it could become, kept them going. They found joy in small victories, like building the decking or setting up a functioning outhouse. Staying focused on the long-term dream helped them push through the tough moments.
Research, Research, Research
Before they ever picked up a hammer, Oliver and Helena spent hours researching. Whether it was how to build a sturdy frame or the best tools for clearing land, they made sure to educate themselves as much as possible before diving in. They recommend that anyone looking to take on a similar project should be prepared to spend a lot of time reading, watching tutorials, and asking for advice.
These lessons weren’t just about building a house; they were about building resilience. Each challenge became a stepping stone toward their ultimate goal, teaching them that with enough perseverance, even the biggest dreams are possible.