Welcome to the beautiful Tullisaari park on an island in southeast of Helsinki.<br />I want to tell you something about this area and this beautiful villa next to us.<br />It is currently referred to as the 'Villa of Aino Acktén', who was a former Finnish soprano opera star in the 1900s.<br /><br />However, the story begins before her time.<br />The area was formerly known as Tuurholma (swedish) in the 16th century.<br />Over the centuries the park has seen several owners, but the most interesting is arguably Henrik Borgström (1799 - 1883).<br />While working in England, Borgström had become fascinated by English landscape design.<br />Thus, Tullisaari park was designed accordingly with a dense network of paths, scenic lookouts and bathing huts.<br />Several other parks in Helsinki were also created by Henrik Borgström.<br />In total, 3 villas were built for the Borgströms family in the 1870s and 1880s.<br />2 of them are still present, the villa of Aino and Decker.<br />Henrik Borgström's great granddaughter still lives in the Decker villa.<br /><br />In 1901 Aino Ackté (together with her husband) bought 1 villa and surrounding lands.<br />It was a glamorous time for Tullisaari.<br />Parties were often organized here, the Ackté family also spent the summers here.<br />In the 1920's, the park with buildings was in a serious state of disrepair.<br />Eventually, the area was sold to the city of Helsinki in 1929.<br />In the 1960s and 70s the area served as a campsite.<br />Aino Ackté's villa was restored in 1987 by the city of Helsinki as a chamber music venue.<br />In the early 2000s, the park and structures were restored to the original path network and gardens.<br />Intended to serve as a recreation space for local visitors.<br /><br />Today this wonderful nature area pays tribute to its creator, Henrik Borgström.<br />Visitors (like ourselves) can relax in the shade of enormous oak trees, enjoy the colorful flowerbeds and wildflowers and take in the beautiful sea views.<br />And that's all i have to say about that (Quote by Forrest Gump).
