Welcome to Karelia Cottages, a charming family business with deep Finnish-English heritage. Established in 1983, we began our journey with two authentic Finnish log cabins, Karelia and Viipuri, which have welcomed guests for 40 years. Our offerings have since expanded to include The Art Studio, The Thatch Cottage, and Avon View, creating a collection of five unique homes on the edge of the New Forest. Our five properties are epitomised by the wonderful countryside they sit in, and are just minutes from the world renowned Beaches of Bournemouth and New Forest.
Managed with care by Steven, his Finnish wife Susanna, and Steven’s children Timo and Elina, each property beautifully combines tradition with modern comfort, your perfect home away from home. To enhance your stay, enjoy private dining experiences hosted by Steven’s long-time friend, Italian chef Gigi, who crafts unforgettable meals right in the comfort of your cottage.
We truly believe all our properties are unique destinations with a true sense of place and our simple aim is to ensure all our guests have the most wonderful holiday experience.
Karelia Cottages began in the 1980s, founded by Steven’s parents, Richard Gleed and Helena Nakari. Richard grew up in the Art Studio in Ringwood, a beautiful woodland property built by the Gleed family in 1904. In 1962, he married Helena, a Finn, making the Art Studio their family home.
Every summer, the family would return to Helena’s childhood log cabin in Jämsänkoski, Finland. Born from Richard’s desire to escape corporate life, and inspired by Helena’s hometown, they envisioned bringing the essence of Finnish living to the English countryside and purchased two cabins from a local builder. Unknowingly at the time, it set them on a path to building a much-loved and successful independent holiday business in the New Forest.
With the help of their son Steven, Richard and Helena built Karelia and Viipuri amidst the lush gardens and woodlands surrounding the Art Studio. These cabins became the heart of the family business which has welcomed countless happy guests for over four decades, creating thousands of cherished family memories.
The names “Karelia” and “Viipuri” pay homage to Helena’s father, Kauko Nakari (1914-2002). Born in Viipuri, the once-beautiful capital of Finland’s Karelia region, this area holds deep significance for all Finns, especially for Helena. Kauko was a decorated officer in World War II, dedicating five challenging years to defending Karelia against Soviet forces in and around Viipuri from 1941 to 1944.
While the log cabins embody Helena’s Finnish heritage, The Art Studio reflects Richard’s English roots as a direct descendant of the 1,000-year-old Neville family. Built in 1904, the property was originally an art studio for Richard’s grandmother, Steven’s great-grandmother. The expansive north-facing windows in the open-plan living area serve as a reminder of its creative origins, designed to bathe the space in natural light for her painting.
In a short time, our properties and team have accomplished remarkable things, and we’re eager to see how this journey unfolds as we continue to grow our business. We are now focused on the next generation of development to enhance the customer experience and explore opportunities for expansion. Our goal is to be the best we can be while remaining true to our humble roots.
