From Finland and Germany - And Back to the Shores of Saimaa

Dreams Come True

Landhaus Kekkola is the shared dream of Janne Muikkunen and Manuela Zirkler—a vision toward which both have been moving, perhaps even unconsciously, for years.

Janne’s roots lie in Sulkava, on the shores of Lake Saimaa. His journey took him from Mikkeli to Munich, Germany, where he spent 17 successful years. Just as he was preparing for his eventual return to Finland, he met Manuela. Although their life together began with a year-long long-distance relationship, it was clear to both of them from the very start that their futures were intertwined.

After Manuela moved to Finland in 2016, the couple settled in Mikkeli and started a family, now blessed with two sons. While Janne’s consulting firm, Rock Solid, provided a professional foundation for both, a deeper longing remained. Janne’s heart pulled him back to the countryside and the lakeside, while Manuela’s education and career aspirations were deeply rooted in the hospitality and tourism sector.

At Landhaus Kekkola, these two worlds finally meet.

“Now the dream of establishing our own Landhaus and embracing country life has finally come true,” Manuela says.

A Heritage of Five Centuries

The history of the Kekkola farmstead stretches back to the 1500s. The current manor house was completed in 1920, originally serving as a stately summer residence for a prominent merchant family from Mikkeli. Over the decades, the manor has been meticulously restored and modernized, ensuring that its century-old spirit remains beautifully preserved for future generations.

From 1939 to 1944, Landhaus Kekkola served the Finnish Defense Forces with distinction. During this pivotal time, the estate was a strategic gathering point for military horses and served as the headquarters for the legendary Artillery General Nenonen.

Horses have been an integral part of the manor’s soul for over a hundred years. While the neighboring stables and riding arenas became a separate entity in 2021—now operated by Ratsastuskeskus Villit—the equestrian heritage remains a core part of the landscape.

In the summer of 2022, Janne Muikkunen and Manuela Zirkler acquired the estate, naming the new chapter Landhaus Kekkola. As the current guardians of this historic home, Janne, Manuela, and their family are dedicated to preserving the manor’s legacy while bringing their own unique, international touch to its storied history.