ARTICLE: FROM HUVILAKATU ATTIC TO MASTER TAILOR GESTRIN'S HOUSE

 

This article was published in the Porvoo Old Town Magazine (summer 2023 issue) 

When we heard that our friends were renting out their home in Old Porvoo for the duration of their work assignment in New Zealand, my husband and I had the opportunity to try Porvoo living on a low threshold. Southern Helsinki has always been my soulscape and several times also my home throughout my life, and I had thought that I would stay in Helsinki until the end. However, we didn't want to miss this unique opportunity, and the rental agreement for Vuorikatu 16 was soon signed for 15 months. We said goodbye to our home in Ullanlinna and moved to a house built by master tailor Gestrin in 1780.

On the first evening in Porvoo, I sat alone among the boxes in the dark kitchen, looking at the tower of the Old Town Hall. Peace descended on my mind and body. Our new hometown felt good right from the very first hours. How quickly can a Helsinki resident become a Porvoo resident.

My company Taiga Colors also moved to Porvoo with us. As a pattern and product designer, Porvoo and especially the old town is inspiring to me to say the least. In addition to designing the first Porvoo-themed products, I have started writing the Tailor's House Tales blog about Porvoo and our life here. In addition to the visually delicious surroundings, the history and stories of Porvoo Old Town stimulate the imagination. History is so close to the skin here that you can't help but start studying it. The peace and quiet of the city in winter is palpable, and it gives space for the creation of something new. There is new flow and energy in everything that I do; it feels like anything is possible in this city. We have moved to live in the middle of a fairy tale, where the atmosphere changes quickly from a deserted ghost village to a small town cheerfully bubbling with life.

Time stands still in the narrow alleys of Old Porvoo. Here, there always seems to be time to chat with acquaintances and strangers during the house maintenance duties or when walking the dog. While out with our neighbor's wonderful Bernese shepherd Manu, we have made a lot of new Porvoo people and dog acquaintances. And how close to nature you are in Porvoo; in addition to the nearby forests, skiing tracks can be found a stone's throw away. In the summer, we plan to take over the whole of Porvoo and its surrounding areas by bike.

Now, about half a year later, moving from Helsinki to Porvoo still feels like the right solution. Porvoo in winter was beautiful, sleepy and quiet, and in the spring it sheds its skin and wakes up to new life, welcoming travelers. Someone warned me that when summer and tourists arrive, the peace and quiet will end. Personally and especially as an entrepreneur, I can only say that after many quiet crisis years, seeing travelers is more than welcome!

When our friends return from New Zealand in early 2024, we will hopefully find a new home here. Porvoo has stolen our hearts ♥