Kodas: Where Cider Ferments Slowly and Time Stands Still
The Story of Kodas
Nestled on 50 hectares of Southern Estonia’s gently rolling landscape, Kodas is surrounded by nothing but trees, fields, and quiet. Of this, 10 hectares are flourishing apple orchards, where branches heavy with white and pink blossoms fill the spring air with their sweet fragrance. It’s a place where time slows, senses awaken, and the landscape feels like a scene from a storybook.
Kodas is the result of a bold and creative vision by Sulev and Tea Nõmmann, a deeply entrepreneurial couple who began their journey with a simple goal: to produce world-class Estonian cider. What started as a cider farm quickly evolved into something much larger. Today, Kodas is a destination—offering cider, fine food, cultural events, and unforgettable overnight stays.
From One Simple Ask: “Can We Stay?” to a Whole New Side of the Business
The idea to offer accommodation at Kodas came naturally. Initially, people came for the restaurant, for concerts, for events—and eventually, they wanted to stay overnight. After enjoying a glass of wine, guests would often ask, “Can we pitch a tent here?” That recurring question made it clear: we needed to offer a proper place to stay.
We started with a single Iglucraft cabin to test the waters and ensure the concept would work. That first unit helped us build confidence. It met what we were hoping for, both in style and in function. Once we were sure, we expanded with three more cabins. The round shape of the Iglucraft houses fits perfectly with our hilly dome landscape. The natural curves of the terrain and the soft silhouette of the cabins complement each other beautifully, creating a peaceful setting next to the lake.
Choosing Iglucraft as a Partner
We were drawn to Iglucraft not only because of the beautiful design, but also because of their strong values, reliability and service. The handcrafted cabins match the authenticity and quality we want guests to feel in every part of their stay. While many accommodation options exist, few have the character, soul, and seamless connection to nature that these cabins provide. Their team is professional and trustworthy, which made working with them easy from start to finish.
From Idea to Reality
The whole process moved relatively quickly. The initial investment in one cabin gave us the assurance to proceed further. Still, the main groundwork involved infrastructure—laying water, electricity, sewage, and a biopurification system underground. It’s the kind of preparation that no one sees but makes all the difference.
We needed to send a construction notice to the local municipality, their support has been incredible. They often bring their guests to visit us in Southern Estonia.
Installation and Challenges
The beautiful rolling landscape added complexity to the installation. A 60-ton crane was needed to place the cabins, but uneven ground meant only two of its four supports could be used. Preparing the access road and calculating reach precisely took extra effort, but with careful planning, everything was successfully put in place.
We also have to give credit to Iglucraft's support team. Any small issues that appeared after the cabins went into use were addressed quickly and effectively.
Welcoming Guests from Near and Far—All Year Round
Kodas is open all year, and every season brings its own kind of experience. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon by the lake or a snowy weekend getaway, there’s always something to do—and a reason to stay.
In summer, guests can swim in the lake just steps from the cabins and explore the surrounding nature. Outdoor concerts, cider tastings, and art shows keep the calendar full. Currently, guests can explore a beautiful showcase of Japanese art and antiques on display. One of the most popular traditions is our Sunday brunch—started by one of our daughters and her friends, it quickly became a favorite with both locals and visitors.
Winter, on the other hand, turns Kodas into a snow-covered getaway. The area gets a lot of snow, making it perfect for skiing and other winter activities - including cross-country ski competitions happening nearby.
We welcome both Estonian and international guests. One visitor from France stayed for eight nights straight in the middle of winter, surrounded by deep snow, and described it as “the coolest hotel I’ve ever stayed in.” That kind of feedback is rewarding.
The cabins are comfortable in all weather—air-conditioned for hot summer days, and insulated with underfloor heating for cold winter nights. Guests love the whole package—the peaceful setting, the thoughtful design, the food, the cider, and the sense of place.
A Place with Purpose
Kodas is more than a business—it’s our home and our way of life. All four of our children are involved in Kodas in some way. And what guests often appreciate most is that we, the owners, are here—hosting, welcoming, and sharing the experience personally.
Many guests are curious about our cider production, and we love showing them behind the scenes of how our cider is made.
Kodas is about authenticity, connection, and a celebration of what’s local and real. We’ve been recognized as a standout business in the region, and we’re proud of how far the idea has come.
By staying true to our values, we’ve created something rare and real—something people feel from the moment they arrive. kodas.ee
