THE OLD VICARADE
In early 2001 I purchased the Old Vicarage of Huittinen. The log manor was built in 1826 on a river bank, and is surrounded by a park that is over 200 years old. With an extensive renovation of the main house and additional buildings, the abandoned place was turned into a cultural center for art exhibitions, concerts, cafe and catered events. The main house has a music room with a 14-foot high paneled ceiling, 85 seats and wonderful acoustics, a master bedroom suite, two guest bedrooms and bathrooms, a dining room, a living room, a library, a winter garden, a large kitchen with a separate baking room, an exquisite cellar, a large office with a separate archives room.
The renovation was carried out with care and spirit, bringing back the magic Chekhovian charm. Historical wallpapers and furniture, crystal chandeliers especially designed by me for the house, twelve wonderful tile stoves and original hand-drawn glass windows create a unique setting.
The once famous garden was restored in 2001-2008 after more than forty years of neglect.
The recital series for the active years of function, 2001-2005 (with a few concerts after it, too), is a real Who's Who of the Finnish classical music scene, with recitals of Karita Mattila with Martin Katz, Soile Isokoski with Marita Viitasalo, Gabriel Suovanen with Gustav Djupsjöbacka, Jorma Hynninen and Helena Juntunen with Ilkka Paananen, Lilli Paasikivi and Petteri Falck with Tuija Hakkila and Mikael Helasvuo, Tommi Hakala with Kristian Attila, Jaakko Kortekangas with Tuija Hakkila, Petteri Salomaa with Ilmo Ranta, Riikka Rantanen and the Cantores Minores choir with Ilkka Paananen, Pia Freund with Päivi Viitanen. In 2002, Gabriela Bone and Oliver Rigelhahn brought the sound of genuine operetta from Vienna and performed with Kristian Attila at the piano. Instrumental concerts have included Pekka Kuusisto (violin) with Laura Hynninen (harp), Ismo Eskelinen (guitar) and Jukka Perko (sax, with band) and many others.
The Old Vicarage vocal concerts series with master classes was accepted in the Finnish Festivals chain.
Most acclaimed Finnish visual artists were featured in the summer exhibitions, including Osmo Rauhala, Pauno Pohjolainen, Kirsi Neuvonen, Johannes Rantanen and Tuomo Saali. We have collaborated with some of the most renowned Finnish gourmet chefs.
The Old Vicarage is currently my home and studio, but it's on the market. However, we accept visitors by appointment and cater lunches, dinners and parties for 6 to 130 persons.
Photos of the Old Vicarage can be seen in the Portfolio section of this website.
