Kuhmoinen resident discovers unexpected mill ownership at Karjukoski by Lake Päijänne

What would it feel like to suddenly discover that you own a mill? This is the reality for Liisa Brander-Keskinen, a resident of Kuhmoinen in Pirkanmaa, who learned last spring that she owns a part of the old mill site at Karjukoski, located by Lake Päijänne. This naturally beautiful area comprises 1,457 properties, of which the mill is a shared ownership.

Brander-Keskinen’s realization came to light when dubious land sales concerning a nearby waterfront property sparked conversation throughout the municipality. “My child asked, ‘Mom, do you own it too?’ I checked the land registry and, to my surprise, discovered I am a happy mill owner,” she chuckled. The ownership came as part of real estate transactions made in 2016.

According to Finland’s Land Survey Authority, there are roughly a thousand such shared areas in Finland, likely stemming from historical land distribution practices. The ownership of these properties has typically fragmented over time. Brander-Keskinen believes there may be many surprised landowners like her in Finland.

Brander-Keskinen hopes the municipality will exercise its right of redemption to purchase the mill site. She worries about other mill owners who fear the municipality might sell it in the future.

Karjukoski’s mill site has been designated by the municipality as a common recreational area, despite no substantial monetary value for mill owners. They value its natural attributes. The local land use committee noted that the area should indeed be acquired by the municipality, although official decisions are still pending.

Ultimately, Brander-Keskinen and fellow mill owners plan to gather this weekend to discuss their collective future regarding ownership and organization.