Nestled away on the banks of Lake Saimaa, this log cabin has to be one of the more picturesque homes in our collection. There's a real sense of rural isolation here, with nothing but forest and large expanses of peaceful water for company. The home has a rowboat and a pier if you fancy exploring, but there's also the option to hire paddleboards, outboard motors and fatbikes for doing so at speed. Back inside, you can warm up from the day's excursions in the sauna — this is Finland, after all — or next to the fireplace in the living room with views of the great outdoors from the large windows. If it's warm enough to stay outside for a little longer, there are a multitude of spots from which to enjoy the tranquillity, whether it's on the balcony, the swing seat in the garden or perched around the fire pit. The nearest large town is Savonlinna — about an hour's drive away — which has an annual opera festival held in a medieval castle.

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