Timo Kousa, a shareholder and sustainability veteran in the tourism industry, fell in love with Virkkula’s breathtaking location and surroundings. From the very start, sustainability was a key focus when the village school was renovated into the House of Northern Senses villa hotel, blending old-world charm with modern responsibility.
House of Northern Senses renovates Virkkula’s former village school into a stunning villa hotel
Sustainability also means taking care of the vitality of Virkkula’s 16-resident village community.
Tourism in Ruka-Kuusamo is founded upon the region’s magnificent natural attractions. Hence, the promotion of responsible tourism is especially important for local tourism businesses. Through the Sustainable Travel Finland program (STF) by Visit Finland, companies can incorporate sustainable practices and responsible choices into their daily operations.
For Timo Kousa, known as the CEO of Aurinkomatkat, sustainability was already a familiar concept long before he and his partner, Leena Harkimo, decided to purchase Virkkula’s former village school. Aurinkomatkat has been repeatedly chosen as Finland’s most sustainable tour operator in the Sustainable Brand Index survey, so it was only natural for Kousa to integrate sustainability into the foundation of House of Northern Senses.
The old village school of Virkkula had been owned by Finnair for 50 years, serving as accommodation, a training center, and a representation venue. This charming heritage property and its fantastic location had left a lasting impression on Kousa during his time at Finnair.
– Of all the inhabited villages in Kuusamo, Virkkula is the highest above sea level. This extraordinarily beautiful village lies between two lakes, Pikku-Porontima and Porontima, with the former school at its heart – a well-preserved and valuable property. We consider it a cultural act to maintain it, says Kousa, who previously worked as the CEO of Finnair Travel Retail before heading Aurinkomatkat.
At over 300 meters above sea level, the village of Virkkula offers stunning views of Ruka, Valtavaara, Konttainen, and Isokumpuvaara. The location is also ideal for northern lights viewing, with a darker sky than near the well-lit ski resort or Kuusamo’s town center.
The Karhunkierros hiking trail runs through the village. There's an easy access to paddling and SUP-boarding in Oulanka National Park, as well as hiking and biking on Ruka’s trails. In winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing.
– If you love nature, Virkkula has everything you need, Kousa remarks.
In Kousa’s opinion, the manor-like former school offers a unique lodging experience, setting it apart from Ruka’s traditional log cabins and modern hotels.
– The spacious interiors emphasize our connection to nature. Here, you can observe the shifting light, which creates a truly unique atmosphere, Kousa explains.
STF program brings new insights, even for a veteran
The House of Northern Senses opened its doors in 2022, after nearly two years of extensive renovation. Although the building, completed in 1954, had been well-maintained over the decades, it required significant upgrades.
The floors and subfloors were replaced, and water-based underfloor heating was installed. The common areas, room surfaces, and bathrooms were refurbished. Water-saving fixtures were chosen for the showers and faucets, and all lighting was upgraded to LEDs. Waste management was also thoroughly updated to include recycling.
After receiving Green Key certification, the House of Northern Senses joined the STF (Sustainable Travel Finland) program. The owners also sought membership in the international Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), which requires some form of environmental certification. The professional audits of the STF program impressed Kousa.
Even for a long-time sustainability expert, the STF program provided new knowledge. For instance, Kousa was less familiar with eco-friendly cleaning products and the organic food requirements for restaurants compared to other aspects of responsible tourism.
These days, sustainability for Kousa also means preserving the vitality of the small village community.
– This summer, we hosted a family reunion in Virkkula, and it was amazing to see the local spirit of togetherness. We hope that young people from the village will someday want to work with us, whether in summer jobs or longer-term positions, Kousa says.
Most of the guests at the House of Northern Senses are international. Many appreciate the certifications, though some still need guidance on practices like reusing towels.
– In some European countries, sustainability isn't as big of a focus yet. That’s why, at the start of each visit, we explain the house’s sustainability guidelines.
When the environment thrives, so do people
As a former CEO who managed large-scale operations, Kousa knows that sustainability brings economic benefits to tourism businesses. Monitoring electricity and water usage, for instance, leads to significant savings. However, for Kousa, the best part is the meaningfulness of the work, as sustainability creates goodwill for both the entrepreneurs and their guests.
– When the environment thrives, people do too. I aim to leave each place in better condition for my successor than it was when I started, Kousa reflects.
In conclusion, he reminds us that earning the STF certification is just a recognition of that moment in time. There is never a point where everything is finished, as sustainability requires continuous development.
Next, the House of Northern Senses plans to upgrade its heating system and explore various options for self-sufficient energy production. For Kousa, investing in sustainability while nestled in nature feels both natural and essential.
– Although our personal interest was the biggest motivator, STF-certified businesses also enhance the image of the entire area. How could anyone operate in a place like this without acting responsibly? In the Ruka-Kuusamo region, it’s even easier with so much local food available, like berries, wild herbs, and reindeer meat, Kousa says.
Read more:
Sustainable Tourism in Ruka-Kuusamo
House of Northern Senses
Published: 25.9.2024
Text: Pauliina Toivanen
Photos: House of Northern Senses
