Kesäranta, the prime minister’s residence, opened to visitors in Helsinki
In Helsinki, Finland, an open day was held on September 12 at Kesäranta, the country’s official prime ministerial residence. The first visitors began lining up shortly after seven in the morning, and after eight, people were already waiting in front of the building.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo greeted guests and shook their hands at the entrance. As YLE News reports, visitors were told about the history of Kesäranta, while guests toured the historic interiors, dining room and grounds of the residence.
History of Kesäranta
Kesäranta, also known as Villa Bjälbo, was built in 1873 in the Meilahti district. Its first owner was architect Frans Ludvig Calonius. From 1922 to 1952, the house served as the summer residence of the head of government, and since 1952 it has been the official residence of the prime minister.
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Many adult guests noted the building’s historic interior. In particular, Sanna Kokkonen from Järvenpää said that she liked its design. Helsinki resident Leeni Tuunainen noted that the house turned out to be smaller than it had previously seemed to her in television reports.
Impressions of the garden
Patrik Rantakokko, who came to Kesäranta with his mother and younger brother Henrik, called the place beautiful and noted its large garden. According to him, he had previously seen the residence from the sea while paddling past it. Henrik Rantakokko, by contrast, was not particularly impressed by either the house or the garden.
Visitors were also interested in the fishing cottage, from which Finland’s presidential residence Mäntyniemi can be seen. The grounds include a sauna built during Urho Kekkonen’s tenure as prime minister and a sports ground set up during Sanna Marin’s tenure. Before this, Kesäranta had been opened to the public only in 2013, during a concert held as part of the Night of the Arts.
