Helsinki auctions historic wooden villa with top bid at 8,000 euros

Helsinki is auctioning the historic Villa Novilla wooden house, where the highest bid currently stands at 8,000 euros, Yle reports.

The auction for the house in Kumpula is being held through Huutokaupat.com. Bidding began on June 24 and ends on August 20. The starting price was zero euros.

Extensive renovation required

Built in the late 19th century, the two-storey villa has been vacant for several years and requires extensive renovation. Designed by building master Carl Johan Grönstrand, the house has an estimated floor area of 194 square metres, a log frame, a natural stone foundation and a board-clad facade.

The protected building cannot be demolished. Rot and microbial damage have been found in its structures, and the heating, electrical and ventilation systems need to be replaced. The house also needs water and sewage systems.

The buyer will be responsible for all work required to renovate or demolish parts of the building.

Residential use not permitted

The plot is designated as a park in the local detailed plan, which means that living in the building or parking on the plot is not permitted. The building may be used for recreational activities connected to the park, such as a cafe or cultural activities.

The winning bidder must submit their plans to the city within two days of the auction closing. The city will lease the buyer a plot of approximately 683 square metres under a long-term land lease.

The wooden house was rented to the Veikko and Lahja Hursti charity organisation until 2017, but has stood empty since then. The fate of Helsinki’s old wooden houses was also examined in a Yle documentary in 1977.