Karelia Holidays was instigated by Helena and Richard Gleed. Helena was a Finnish national when she came to England as an au pair. She grew up in Finland where many families have summer homes set in natural surroundings often beside a lake. Because of this influence, the idea of bringing these traditional log houses and a piece of Finland to Ringwood was borne.
“Karelia” was the first to be erected and was named after the region in Finland where Helena’s parents once lived. This area was lost to the Russians in the Winter war of 1938/9. Subsequent cabins were named after places in this area, hence “Viipuri”, later named ”Viborg” by the Russians, and “Laatokka”, a large lake, later renamed “Ladoga”. The smallest cabin was also given a Finnish name “Piilopirtti”, which means “hidden house”. It is camouflaged by a traditional grass roof providing both insulation and a rustic appearance.
The cabins are set in 4 acres of woodland which Richard’s grandparents acquired many years ago (it was heathland then, with a scattering of silver birch, heather and gorse). His grandfather was very interested in rhododendrons and azaleas and planted many hybrid varieties as well as various conifers and specimen trees. The rhododendrons, now large mature bushes, make a splendid, colourful show in April, May and June.
Although Helena has passed on, Sue and Richard continue to run “Karelia holidays” as a family business, maintaining the original friendly holiday atmosphere on which it was founded. In creating Karelia Holidays, we have endeavoured to duplicate the relaxed style that many Finns enjoy in their summer cabins all over Finland. We hope that we have succeeded.
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tel: 01425 478920 or email |  |