In mid-October, Pomarkku hosted two experimental housing groups to get to know the everyday life of the wonderful countryside. Satu and Ilkka from Espoo stayed at the luxurious Kiilholma Manor, and Elisa from Vantaa, who was traveling alone, was able to enjoy the old-time atmosphere at Satu's Café. Pomarkku was able to act as the seventh experimental housing group in the Wonderfully Terrible Countryside housing experiments organized throughout the autumn.
During the week, the experimenters got to know the local culture, businesses and the municipality's diverse recreational opportunities. The program was tailored to the wishes and interests of the housing experimenters, and many residents, associations and businesses from Pomarkku participated in its implementation, showcasing the best aspects of the municipality.
The community atmosphere and genuine encounters were impressive
The housing trial week for Satu and Ilkka began immediately with a meeting with a local entrepreneur, when they got to explore Mansikkahalmeen Muksut with the guidance of entrepreneur Tarja Mattila. The municipality, in turn, received the housing trialists on Monday with welcome coffees, where they immediately had the opportunity to discuss the services and opportunities of the Pomarkku municipality.
In their feedback, both groups highlighted Pomarkku's hospitality and the active local actors, who organized a memorable program for the week and made encounters possible.
“One of the most significant things was the hospitality of the people of Pomarkku; we felt very welcome everywhere, and everyone was suitably interested in us,” Satu and Ilkka commented.
Conversations with locals on guided tours, during hobbies, and around coffee tables became highlights of the entire week.
"It was absolutely wonderful to visit different people. Somehow it felt like it was genuinely nice and easy to chat with quite a few people over coffee," Elisa says.
Nature, volleyball and weightlifting
Closeness to nature and silence were important elements during the housing experiment week. The autumn trip to the Katajamäki lean-to was a relaxing experience for the participants.
“Pomarkkun Martat provided snacks and guidance. We, the housing experimenters, were able to focus on smiling and enjoying ourselves,” Satu and Ilkka say in praise.
The village-like atmosphere of Pomarkku emerged in the feedback from the housing experimenters, and we were able to get to know it well during the week. Nature and hobbies were nearby, and the friendly residents were happy to introduce the municipality and its activities.
“It would be wonderful to live following the cycle of nature and feel like a little more of a part of something communal and village-like,” Elisa reflects.
During the week, the experimenters also got to try out local sports activities, such as a fitness circuit, gym, yoga and volleyball. The multi-purpose hall provides a wide range of sports activities for the residents, which the housing experimenters also got to enjoy. Ilkka set his own record in weightlifting at the gym, and the whole group especially praised the low-threshold volleyball game as a great experience.
Local experiences in Pomarkku
There are many great experiences in Pomarku that are close to the residents and part of everyday life. Elisa went on a wonderful photography trip with Jaana Mälkki, the entrepreneur of Poosjärvi's Lumon. Jaana also took a few pictures of Elisa in the beautiful autumn scenery. In addition, the visit with the Mukkala shopping truck was a memorable experience.
The week culminated at the Satakunta Adventure Railway, where we experienced the thrill of speed on a resin ride with Noora-Mari and Noora, who are the coordinators of the housing trials. Together we tested both larger and smaller resins, admired the beautiful landscapes and discussed the news of the week. Marjaana Setälä-Hietanen also made coffee for the housing trialists at Villa Rouhee, where representatives of the municipality also arrived to give the final remembrances and thanks to the housing trialists.
The housing experiment offered a concrete opportunity to test whether rural life might suit you. Pomarkku left a positive impression on both groups and sparked new ideas about future possibilities. Elisa summed up the mood of the week this way:
"It was wonderful to sit in the warmth of the stove in the mornings and evenings, take a sauna and be quiet and observe nature. Everything was wonderfully close by and the cashier at the local store greeted me as I walked in. Somehow I often miss meeting people like this in everyday city life."
More information
The "Ihana kamala maaseutu" housing experiments are coordinated by the "Verkostosta vetovoimaa" cooperation project managed by Leader Pohjois-Satakunta together with municipalities. The project is co-funded by the European Union, and the project period is 1 January 2024-30 June 2026. Nine municipalities from Pohjois-Satakunta and Northwest Pirkanmaa are involved.