Villa Rulludd
Villa Rulludd is a charming, small villa museum, café, and event venue located in Hyljelahti, Espoo, at the tip of the Rullaniemi peninsula.
Villa Rulludd served as the Kihlman family’s summer residence for over a hundred years, from 1873 until 1980, when the City of Espoo purchased the villa. The villa museum, maintained by KAMU (the Espoo City Museum), operates on the upper floor of the original main building. The downstairs area houses rental event space, which functions as a café when the museum is open (on the first Sunday of each month from 11 to 15 o'clock).
Villa Rulludd was built in several stages, combining different construction methods and architectural styles. It was interesting to learn that the original version of the villa was quite modest; only later were the second floor, a large veranda, a tower, and many other additions built – some of which remain, and others no longer exist.
The main building was completed in 1873. It became known as the “Winter Villa” after another building was constructed nearby in 1893, nicknamed the “Summer Villa” (officially called the Villa Päijänne). In 1908, the two villas were connected by a large veranda. According to KAMU’s History Online, the story tells how the villas were joined so that the grandmother could walk indoors from one building to the other to say good night to her grandchildren.
At some point, the villa also featured an impressive garden. This, too, reflected trends of the time: Early villa culture emphasized closeness to nature and an untouched environment. Later, gardens became fashionable. The son of Villa Rulludd’s first owner became interested in gardening, even experimenting with growing exotic plants.
“By following the path through the garden towards the top of the rocky hill, one can still find traces of the former glory hidden in the forest – such as overgrown rhododendrons and dwarf pines, remnants of old stone paving, watering basins, collapsed stone stairs, and the ruins of a lookout tower foundation.” says the KAMU website.
Oh, how wonderful it would be to see it in all its glory, it sounds magnificent!
Villa Rulludd urgently needs restoration to bring back its villa-era splendor. If you notice strange bulges on the walls in photos, it's not about poor editing skills – the wallpapers are rippling, and the wooden surfaces need treatment.
Still, the slightly shabby appearance brings thoughts of the past, and unlike something flawless and polished, the atmosphere carries something beautiful and timeless.