The story of the farm
Raija says:
The Kellman farm has been inhabited since the 18th century. Hannele Wirilander writes about the first owner in her book Pitäjän historia: “The medal was also received by 31-year-old Karl Jonas Kellman, a Swedish soldier living in the village of Taipale in Mikkeli. In addition to fighting and farming, he knew the skills of a blacksmith and carpenter.” It was a medal for bravery for his distinguished performance in the Battle of Porrassalmi in 1789. The owner must have been multi-talented even at that time.
I was a young 20-year-old when my husband and I bought this Kellman house in 1959. We had been looking for a new home and farm for some time, and then the childless, elderly couple Lyydia and Armas Kellman, who lived next door, decided to sell their farm and move to Mikkeli. My husband's birthplace is the Kippari farm at the end of Kipparintie.
In addition to a huge debt, the house sale brought five milking cows, a horse, rocky fields, and cleared forests, but life in our own house felt great. Our daughters Pauliina and Katariina were born. There was only a cart track to the house, but there were no cars either. However, we were the first in the whole village to get a telephone. Electricity was only connected a little later.
In the 1960s, we first built a beach sauna on the shore and then a new residential building. The fields were initially tended with horse-drawn machinery and later with a neighbor's tractor. Summer was a busy time, but in the winter the owner had time to do forestry work and I took care of the animals, the home and the children.
We gave up cattle in the 1970s and started growing potatoes, strawberries and carrots. We also bought our own tractor. Soon after this, I also became interested in flax. At first I grew and processed it, but soon I focused solely on spinning and dyeing the fiber. I also studied dyeing. During the summer, woven goods were sold in a small red shed in the yard. That is where Raijan Aitta got its name.
We built our first rental holiday cottage on the shore from our own trees, and later, by joint family decision, we renovated the old stone barn into a café, shop and workspace.
My daughters have managed the farm with distinction for over twenty years. I have been delighted to watch their diligence and achievements.
"I am now very happy that the farm will continue to be run by my grandson Kimmo, who will take over the running of the farm."
Katariina says:
After our father's unexpected passing in 1999, I decided to move to the farm permanently. My training as a home industry teacher was useful in developing the flax trade, but I had to study berry growing. Luckily, my mother had experience, so that started to work. My sister Pauliina has been my summer help and partner.
We gradually increased the area under berry cultivation and gained new customers. Strawberries and raspberries were the main crops, later we planted blackcurrant bushes. Fortunately, we have found reliable, long-term employees to help us on the farm.
The linen shop developed when we started importing our own fabrics. We produced home textiles and also a small collection of our own linen clothing. In collaboration with Pirtin Kehräämö, we made Wolli wool and linen yarn. We were partners in the Tukkipuoti store and the Made in Saimaa shop in Mikkeli. We toured various craft sales events around Finland. Later, we also started an online store for linen products and linen fabrics.
The linen trade provided a livelihood for a decade and allowed me to do creative and independent work that I enjoyed. Natural materials, handcrafting, and traditions are still close to my heart.
We built two new holiday villas for rental use in 2013. Ankkuri and Puikkari have been popular holiday destinations. The modernly decorated, well-equipped and beautifully located buildings are open all year round.
After Corona, we decided to give up the linen trade and focus only on berry growing, cottage rentals, and a summer café.
"Pauliina and I appreciate the opportunity to continue working and watching the farm continue to thrive."
Kimmo says:
I was born in Helsinki and have lived in the Helsinki metropolitan area all my life. However, I have had plenty of summer experiences in the countryside. I studied a technical profession and now, as I start a new phase of my life here in the countryside, I am also working in agriculture. I am excited to start the Kellman farm as the new owner together with my wife Rebeka. Fortunately, our own home, which we have lovingly renovated, was found next door to our farm.
We will continue berry growing and cottage rental. We are developing new cultivation methods, such as irrigation, and acquiring new berry varieties. Later, we may also try new plants.
I enjoy hunting, fishing, and exercising. We enjoy the outdoors, the changing seasons, and the independence of being entrepreneurs.
We want to serve all our customers well. Welcome to become a berry customer, enjoy summer coffees and relax in our cottages!