The Terwa
History
The Terwa History - The Story of the Centuries
The Terwa Nordic Hideaway is located on a site with a long and varied history. The area has attracted people for thousands of years, and significant ancient remains have been discovered on the shores of Kaartjärvisignificant ancient remains, which tell us that people have thrived here from early on. The forests, lakes, and natural resources laid the foundation for settlement, and later the estate developed industrial and agricultural activities, which left their mark on the area.
Queen Kristiina's Donation and the Early Days of the Manor
Written records of the manor's history begin in the 1650s, when Queen Kristiina of Sweden donated the area to Lårens Håkansson, the mayor of Helsinki. The estate was used for agriculture, but its location by Kaartjärvi and the abundant forests also enabled the production of tar and turpentine, making the area economically significant.
Rautaruukki and an industrial era
In the mid-19th century, the estate was transferred to Adolf Fredrik Sohlman's ownership, and he founded the Rautakoski ironworks, utilizing the lake ore found in the estate's lakes. The ironworks produced axes, nails, dams, and other metal products, and the area also had grain mills and tar and turpentine production. The ironworks ceased operations in the early 20th century, but the area retained the marks it left behind - old excavations, tar pits, and industrial history remain part of the landscape.
The Manor from the 1850s to the Present Day
The current manor building dates back to 1850 and has served as an agricultural center, manor, and private home over time. The building has now undergone a complete renovation, preserving its historical features while updating it to provide modern comforts.
The Terwa - a hiding place unifying the past and the present
The name The Terwa honors the area's history and the tradition of tar production, which was a central part of the local livelihood. Tar and turpentine were once valuable export products, and their production created wealth and influenced the development of the entire region.
Today, The Terwa - Nordic Hideaway combines this fascinating history with modern hospitality. It is a place where old and new meet, and where visitors can experience both the traditions of the manor and the peace of nature - just as people have done on this site for centuries.
