Billnäs Gård in Finland is a new design-led hospitality concept located an hour’s train and car ride from Helsinki, operating as part wellbeing-focused boutique hotel and part private hire and retreat space intermittently throughout the year. Perched on the Svartå River, in the heart of the ancient Billnäs ironworks and surrounded by pristine nature, the spectacular Mediterranean-style property offers a seamless blend of wellness, creative and adventure pursuits enveloped in bespoke, modern luxury.
Behind this new concept of hospitality lies an entrepreneur couple, Taina Snellman-Langenskiöld and Chris Langenskiöld. Taina, a design-thinking entrepreneur, is responsible for the interior and garden design which reflect a thoughtful blend of Finnish sustainable design principles and diverse influences from around the world. Billnäs Gård has been a meaningful and dream project for Taina since the renovation of the property began in 2021. Applying a sustainable approach has been a priority throughout, using natural materials and making long-lasting aesthetic choices to save this cultural landmark for future generations.
The programme of holistic experiences devised by Chris provides guests with support to slow down, reconnect with themselves and enhance their wellbeing. The aim is for guests to come away from this holistic space feeling better equipped to face the challenges of daily life.
Whether booked out as a private rental for a family or corporate event, or filled with solo travellers, couples and friends enjoying celebratory getaways, guests can explore the lush surrounding pine forest and benefit from a programme of optional, rejuvenating activities designed to realign them with themselves and nature.
The property
Dating back to 1912, the property features six bookable guest rooms each with a private bathroom, accommodating up to 12 guests in total. During the summer months, guests can spend the night in a cosy cabin by the river, offering a more private and rustic experience. A lush garden boasts a heated saltwater pool providing a picturesque setting for complete relaxation and rejuvenation at the river shore. A subterranean spa and meditation space features soft heated concrete benches, a sauna, and a herbal bathtub housed within a candlelit historical structure – all vibrating as a binaural healing soundscape.
Staff remain on site whether the property’s multiple common spaces are being used for private parties (accommodating up to 70 guests inside the house, and up to 100 outside), or larger scale meetings, events and celebrations. Billnäs Gård is also available for private hire upon request, with or without a curated holistic wellness programme.
Design
At Billnäs Gård, guests can expect a harmonious blend of sustainable Finnish design principles delivered in natural colour schemes and materials. A mix of vintage and second-hand pieces is complemented with modern furniture classics. William Morris wallpapers juxtapose Alvar Aalto design icons, while locally woven rugs and fabrics lend a soft feel. Contemporary Finnish designer Pasi Kärkkäinen-Tunkelo contributes unique brass glass lighting that casts a soft glow across living spaces. Bedroom mattresses are handmade in Finland from natural materials such as local wool.
Taina and Chris have lovingly restored Billnäs Gård with a view to keeping as much of the original details as possible. Natura room’s bathroom was designed around a pre-existing fireplace. Blue room has been designed with children in mind and features a small playroom, pre-loved toys and a kitchenette in vibrant colours. The Nest room, with its river view, private balcony, and bathtub overlooking the garden, exemplifies the property’s commitment to aesthetic and sensory delight. Taina firmly believes that creating beauty through living spaces can make us feel happier and help us achieve our best.
Food and drink
Healthy, home-style Finnish-French cuisine makes use of local and seasonal produce at Billnäs Gård for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chris and Taina’s philosophy of ‘simple is beautiful’ focuses on using clean, pure ingredients and flavours that celebrate the essence of the region. Organic porridge in the morning is served with locally foraged berries, while hearty soups and salads use locally picked mushrooms and freshly grown vegetables. Breads are baked in-house, high-quality meat is sourced from the area, and local fishermen provide the daily catch.
Cooking courses are available to help guests savour the slow life and appreciate the joy of each bite in the property’s sun-filled dining spaces. Additional healthy flavours are available seasonally, from wild herbs via tea made with foraged leaves and a chaga morning shot.
Mindfulness and slow living
Billnäs Gård goes beyond the traditional hospitality concept by incorporating design into both the property and its curated guest services like The Life Academy programme (Livsakademi). This unique holistic initiative spearheaded by Chris also works in collaboration with his wide network of experienced wellbeing professionals from different fields.
Through events, retreats, rituals, and life design tools, The Life Academy promotes mindfulness, harmony and sustainability with immersive experiences such as yoga, horse riding, art and design. Private workshop spaces will host classes in art, design and wellbeing throughout 2024.
Enriching activities and cultural exploration
Throughout the seasons, life at Billnäs Gård centres around immersive, nature-focused experiences, from forest walks and golf to backcountry skiing just five minutes away. Take time for mindful walks through the village, or stand-up paddleboarding along the river; explore nearby hiking trails or partake in outdoor activities like picnics and fishing.
The property is also home to two beloved donkeys, Lugn and Ro (Calm and Peace), adding to the charm of the surroundings, plus an old fire station currently being restored for 2024, and stables across the road where guests can engage in art classes, craft workshops, and gardening sessions.
Billnäs village’s rich heritage and Finnish countryside
Both Billnäs village and the neighbouring Fiskars village offer abundant opportunities to explore the region’s cultural heritage, art, and design events. Guests can explore via bike (both regular and electric) or car, finding a collection of charming craft shops and restaurants offering Finnish delicacies. Winter at Billnäs Gård offers a unique and enchanting experience where guests can soak up the magical snowy landscape with a cup of hot tea by the crackling fire, or a warm session in the meditation spa after a day’s sledging, ice skating or skiing.
Notes for guests
Billnäs Gård is a place where design meets everyday wellbeing through a unique service concept which supports life design thinking.
Upon booking their stay, guests can fill out a survey to help the team understand their personal development needs in the pursuit of holistic balance and wellness. Based on their responses, guests can cherry-pick up to three recommendations regarding nutrition, movement, treatments or workshops. A personalised programme is also available.
On arrival, guests enjoy a small carefully designed welcoming moment before they are escorted to their rooms, where a selection of locally sourced produce awaits.
Family experiences are considered with the utmost care and detail, with babysitting services available. Some events are designed exclusively for adults. One guest room accommodates dogs.
Prices start from £340 per night as a boutique hotel, depending on the season. Cost for private hire available on request. Reservations on stays more than eight weeks in advance require a 50 per cent deposit.
