For several days now, I haven’t been able to shake the story of this remarkable woman from my mind. Her home is far from my personal style and lacks any hints of Scandinavian minimalism. Yet, the journey she undertook to live here is truly impressive.

At 71 years old, she has spent most of her life in the Finnish city of Turku, working as an artist for various companies. When retirement came knocking, she left her job to start selling her unique paintings on glass. While the profits were modest (even now, her works can be bought for around 8 to 10 euros), it was enough to cover her essential expenses and pay off her loan.

Her name is Hilkka. At the age of 51, in the early 2000s, she stunned everyone with a bold decision to radically change her life. Hilkka sold her apartment in Turku, borrowed money from her brother, and took out a loan, then another, to purchase an old mill in her childhood town and turn it into a home-gallery—a place where she could live, paint her works, and welcome visitors.

At the time, the mill was an abandoned structure built in the 1920s, surrounded by towering weeds. No one believed she could pull this off, as the building had been unused for years and came with a hefty price tag. Significant investment was needed for renovation. Hilkka sold everything—her apartment, her car, her jewelry, and furniture. She kept only her bicycle and a single set of clothes.

Inside, they partially dismantled structures, insulated the roof, and installed underfloor heating. Not only hired workers helped with the renovations, but also volunteers, local residents, and Hilkka’s childhood friend with his handy son.

Today, the former mill has become her true home—on the first floor, she created a studio that also serves as a gallery, while the second floor houses her living space. Hilkka admits that she has often doubted the wisdom of this purchase, but now, at 71, she has no regrets about her choice.