A 24-year-old bought a private island in Finland for less than the price of a new car

When Oliver Russell saw the island for the first time, it was coated in powdery white snow.

Bundled in thick layers, he and his girlfriend trudged 150 feet across a frozen lake to reach the uninhabited outcrop of land — one of more than 178,000 islands in Finland.

Russell, a 24-year-old college student who's half-American and half-Finnish, knew they'd made it to solid ground when the snow felt noticeably firmer.

He and his girlfriend — Helena Tomaszewska, 20 — found a relatively flat spot nestled among the 2.5 acres of hills and trees.

The couple lit a small campfire and cooked some sausages they'd brought with them on the three-hour drive from Helsinki.

Except for the crackling of the fire, the crunch of snow beneath their boots, and the chirps of a few birds darting between spindly trees, they were undisturbed.

"Peace and quiet," Russell told Business Insider.

The island — listed for 33,000 euros, or about $36,000 — was an opportunity for Russell to fulfill his childhood dream of having a summer vacation spot in Finland. (The island has a name, but he declined to share it for privacy reasons.)

In March, Russell's offer of 28,000 euros, or about $30,500, was accepted.

(Russell and Tomaszewska first visited the island in February. Oliver Russell)

Russell bought the island with the intention of building a cabin and a sauna with Tomaszewska.

In Finland, there's roughly one sauna for every two people.

(Russell, pictured kayaking as a kid, grew to love Finland's summer cabin culture. Oliver Russell)

Though he was mostly raised in Laguna Beach, California, Russell spent most of his summers in Finland, hanging out with relatives on his mother's side.

(Tomaszewska and Russell have been together for nearly two years. Oliver Russell)

Ref: A 24-year-old bought a private island in Finland for less than the price of a new car (businessinsider)

Photo Credit- Oliver Russell