This abandoned villa, a collection of makeshift buildings, was once the home of dancer Elis Sinistö. Known as Villa Mehu, it was both designed and lived in by Sinistö. In 1954, he didn’t buy the land but instead traded with the previous owner. During the day, he worked as a plotter, and in the evenings, he devoted himself to constructing his dream home.
Elis Sinistö used repurposed and recycled scrap materials to build Villa Mehu, creating a warm and inviting space for parties and gatherings with his artistic friends. Near the trailhead, you’ll find two buildings: a cozy guest room and, in true Finnish style, a sauna. Further down the path stands his greatest labor of love.
Behind the now rusted fence, you’ll discover more buildings, including Elis Sinistö’s home, a multi-story guest house, another sauna, communal areas, beehives, and an impressive bee tower. At the center of it all is a small pond that was originally built to collect rainwater. Now serves as the resting place for the artist’s ashes.
Elis Sinistö passed away in 2004, leaving behind an ongoing debate about the future of Villa Mehu. Though the property has been largely neglected since his death, the buildings have weathered the elements surprisingly well. Remarkably, there are no signs of vandalism, and visitors still come to pay their respects to the artistic legacy Elis left behind. The villa remains filled with his old clothes, newspaper clippings, toys, photographs, magazines, and daily supplies.
During his life, Elis generously shared his dancing and art with anyone interested. Even after his death, his art and memory continue to thrive at Villa Mehu.
