Saaren kartano: the island mansion
The estate has indeed been surrounded by the nearby sea in medieval ages. But even today it feels somewhat like being on an island: For about a week now the weather has been sunny but extremely cold (-15 to -22°C), so not having a car and the limits set to walking and biking trips at these temperatures, our radius of mobility is quite small. Life concentrates on the estate: our personal living spaces in 3 smaller houses, shared spaces and facilities in a former barn and the manor which also houses the offices – oh, and the sauna. A taxi to the next town (about 13 km away) is provided once a week for shopping – like a ferry service to the mainland. The island feeling is good for focusing on work. The short days, the very cold outside and warm, dry air indside can be quite tiring though – but the quiet also lets me sleep very well!
sea steaming in cold air: trip to the actual islands of the offshore archipelago
The staff is extremely kind and accommodating – they give you the feeling that the provision of an optimal scenario for creative production is really the main goal, a basic idea which is not met by all artist residencies I have experienced so far, at least not at this level.
the frozen Saari bay (seen from a bird watching tower)
