Family
A Family Retreat in the Heart of the Finnish Forest
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Cristina Balducci & Frédéric Duqué, with their five children: Alexandre 12, Louis 11, Colette 8, Gisèle 5, and Maurice, 1 year old
The Finns call it Trollshovda—the Troll Forest. Yet, as we arrive, the scene before us feels more enchanting than eerie. Nestled deep in the woods and bordered by a pristine lake, Cristina Balducci’s secluded retreat, just two hours west of Helsinki, blends seamlessly into its surroundings. Crafted from wood and glass, its modern yet understated design makes it almost invisible in the landscape. Designed by Cristina’s grandfather, Finnish architect Veijo Martikainen, this haven was meant to be passed down through generations—a mission it continues to fulfill. Time slows here. Nature reigns. This is a true vacation home: open, luminous, and filled with simple joys. Inside, nothing has changed since it was built—neither the walls nor the furniture. Everything was made to last. "This place holds my purest childhood memories," Cristina whispers. As she speaks, the door swings open, and the couple’s five children burst onto the scene, their laughter and energy pulling us into their world. One can’t help but think that Jane Austen herself couldn’t have imagined a more delightful modern family. Between laughter, songs, squabbles, and long walks, we step into their world—a life that feels both lighthearted and deeply rooted. A home in every sense of the word.
Location
Finland
Author
Elsa Cau
Photos and videos
Valerio Geraci, Maeva Dayras
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TSF
Cristina, Frédéric—who are you?
Cristina
We’re a couple from different times—literally. There’s an 18-year age gap between us, and we come from vastly different backgrounds. Fred is Belgian through and through, while I had more of a nomadic, international upbringing. My family moved to Belgium for my father’s job, and we were always surrounded by a global mix of people. Fred, on the other hand, comes from a big traditional family, while I grew up with just my parents. We’re opposites in so many ways—Fred is grounded, conservative, and seeks stability, whereas I’m always buzzing with energy, eager to explore, question, and push boundaries. But what binds us is our love for family. We’re close to our friends, we don’t stress too much about life, and we don’t put unnecessary pressure on ourselves. Balance is everything! (Laughs)
TSF
What are your professional backgrounds?
Cristina
Fred spent years as a banker, part of that time in New York. When he returned to Belgium, he co-founded Guapa juice bars with a friend, which he later sold to launch Bon, a fast-casual food chain that now has 11 locations. As for me, after finishing my studies, I spent a few years at home with our sons before joining Fred in his business. A few years ago, I started an Instagram account, Bonjour Georges, as a personal diary—a space for memories and inspirations. I’ve loved the connections it has brought me, the dreams it has helped me realize, and the confidence it has given me. That said, I struggle with how the influencer space has evolved. I’m all for transparency in brand collaborations, but I miss the spontaneity. Moving forward, I want to keep Bonjour Georges as an authentic, personal space. I never want it to become my full-time job—that way, it stays real.
TSF
What’s next for you both?
Cristina
I’m ready for something of my own. After my maternity leave, I won’t be returning to Bon, as originally planned. These past few years have given me flexibility and stability, which was essential for raising our children. Now, I’m craving risk, growth, a new professional chapter. An opportunity has come up with a friend in the furniture and design industry—I really hope it takes shape!
TSF
Tell us about this home’s history.
Cristina
It’s, above all, a family story. My grandfather and uncle designed it, while my grandmother and mother handled the decor. The first section—the annex—was built in 1989. The main house followed in 1993. We haven’t changed a thing since. Every detail remains intact, from the flooring to the furniture. My grandparents, Veijo and Ari-Jukka Martikainen, admired Le Corbusier, Mies van der Rohe, and Oscar Niemeyer, though my grandfather’s style was uniquely his own. My uncle, Ari, was deeply inspired by Alvar Aalto. Finns aren’t particularly social creatures, and my grandparents were no exception—they cherished simplicity, even silence. The house was built for family, with minimal sleeping arrangements, yet we now fill it with friends, almost camping-style!
TSF
How did your upbringing influence your taste?
Cristina
We grew up surrounded by beautiful furniture. My grandparents believed in buying pieces for life—everything was carefully chosen, down to the silverware. In the summer of 1993, we arrived here to find the house fully finished, like our own private Disneyland. Each generation has brought its passions: my grandparents nurtured the orchard, my uncle was obsessed with high-tech sound systems, and my Italian father embraced the sea—fishing for hours, discovering hidden islands by boat. My mother was a fearless swimmer, always venturing too far, much to my father’s horror! Now, my brother and I are shaping new traditions. We love bringing friends here, sharing meals, spending days on the water, and embracing every kind of sport. The house evolves with us, preserving and adapting our joys. I’ve spent a month here every summer since birth—it’s ingrained in me. Being raised in a family where architecture was paramount instilled in me a deep appreciation for aesthetics. And, of course, a lifelong love of design.
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TSF
What’s your daily rhythm like here?
Cristina
This place resets me every time. The present moment is all that matters—time doesn’t exist. We follow nature’s rhythm. There are no rules, no fuss. Pajamas become uniforms, swimsuits are paired with boots (because, well, snakes!), and every day unfolds freely. There’s always one planned boat trip, but beyond that, everyone does as they please. Someone’s always in the kitchen, someone else on the dock or the massive rock overlooking the lake. That rock is the sacred spot of this house. As a child, I was terrified of death, so my father once promised that, no matter what, our family would reunite there on June 11, 2100, at noon—whatever form we might take. Every evening, we sit there, watching breathtaking sunsets, eating cheese, sipping pear cider or blueberry juice, and snacking on fresh peas.
TSF
How would you describe the atmosphere of this home?
Cristina
Surprisingly, there’s very little color—mostly white, wood, and touches of yellow. It’s calming yet warm. Year after year, seeing the golden light flood this ultra-modern home in an ultra-wild landscape still gives me the same overwhelming joy. No place will ever be as special. I want this house to remain in the family forever, passed down through generations, each one adding and preserving its own traditions.
TSF
How do the kids experience this place?
Cristina
They adore it. It’s the ultimate playground—the sea, the forest, pure freedom. It’s all a little magical to them.
TSF
A piece here that holds special meaning?
Cristina
The yellow Chinatown painting by Estonian artist Jaan Elken. The Alvar Aalto serving cart for Artek. The glass blocks above the fireplace. The scent of the wood. The attention to detail!
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"The big rock is the symbolic heart of this house. As a child, I was terrified of death, and one day, my father told me that on June 11, 2100, at noon, he, my mother, my brother, and I would meet there—no matter what form we might take."
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TSF
Favorite local spots?
Cristina
Farmors Café in Högsåra—worth the ferry ride for a magical, timeless meal. Matildan Kartano in Matildedal, a charming bakery-restaurant with incredible desserts, tucked into an English-style garden. And Fiskars! Great summer exhibitions and fantastic restaurants.
TSF
Thoughts on The Socialite Family?
Cristina
I never miss an issue. I love its eclectic mix of styles, all bound by a passion for detail.
TSF
A favorite from our collection?
Cristina
The Triangolo coffee table—without a doubt. I can already picture it in our Brussels home!
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"Here, only the present moment matters—time doesn’t exist. We live in sync with nature and the sun."
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