Elli and Jesperi

Towards your own peace, space and quiet

“The dream of living in the country for us is more of a when than if.”

Elli and Jesperi have long dreamed of moving to the country. Both come from small towns and the hustle and bustle of a big city has become a stranger to them over the years. Through their studies and working lives, they have settled first in Turku and then in Tampere, but the dream of their own peace and spacious living has always been with them.

When they heard about the opportunity to participate in the Ikaalinen Living Trial Week, the decision was easy. “This was the perfect opportunity for us to experience in practice what everyday life in the countryside would be like.”

The rural town surprised with its diversity

The very first day – welcome coffee and an open-air sauna on Toivolansaari – made the couple feel warmly welcomed. During the week, they had time to explore the services, leisure opportunities and different residential areas: the Valkean Ruusun areena, the atmospheric streets of Wanha Kauppala, the community spirit of the villages and the popular outdoor trails of Vatulanharju.

“Ikaalinen has almost all the services we need. We often think during the week about how easy it is to get around here – and how quickly we can get to nature.”

Nature, silence and space – just what we were looking for

During the week, Elli and Jesperi were able to move around on ridges, village roads and forest paths – and discovered exactly what rural immigrant studies highlight: closeness to nature, peace and tranquility.

“The silence was perhaps the most surprising thing. When the city noise is completely absent, you realize how peaceful life can be. Here you can actually hear the wind and the birds.” The lake views that peek out from every side also stayed in my memory.

The housing options were convincing

A terraced house, a detached house or a terraced house to renovate at your own pace – all seemed possible.

The hobby opportunities also impressed. Jesperi is into woodworking and dreams of a yard building or stable for his hobbies – space would not be a problem in Ikaalinen. Elli is an avid reader and she praised the services of the Ikaalinen library profusely. Both hope to have their own yard where they could grow chilies and enjoy their own peace on the terrace.

“Ikaalinen has all the services we need for everyday life, and yet has space to live. It’s a rare combination.” The transport connections and remote working opportunities were also praised. Ikaalinen would not require a change of job, but could offer a completely new kind of everyday life.

"Ikaalinen could very well be our future home town.”

Jesperi and Elli worked and studied remotely during the week. The remote work station offered by the city at the Ikaalinen travel agency surprised with its quality:“A quiet, bright and functional workspace – everything we needed.”

Good telecommunications connections and the possibility of multi-location everyday life are factors that make rural areas attractive – and they are realized in Ikaalinen.

During the trial week, Elli and Jesperi spoke several times about the places they visited. “The week in Ikaalinen gave us exactly what we hoped for – certainty that we are on the right track. Ikaalinen could very well be the home of our future.”

The housing experiment was part of the Beautiful, Horrible Countryside campaign implemented by the City of Ikaalinen in autumn 2025. In the campaign, nine municipalities in Satakunta and Northwest Pirkanmaa welcomed a total of 42 experimenters interested in living in the countryside to live and experience everyday life for a week.