"Life has been quite interesting, and I've learned a lot over these five years," said Sirje Karis, speaking at the couple's final Restoration of Independence Day Rose Garden reception as hosts. "I've met many wonderful people, both in Estonia and around the world."

While her husband's term as president is coming to an end, Sirje Karis expects to retain some of her public duties as First Lady after leaving the presidential residence.

"Unfortunately, I can't simply leave all of my responsibilities behind, so some things will remain," she added.

Even so, Sirje Karis said she is looking forward to spending more time around the house in Tartu again.

"I have my own garden and greenhouse," she added. "I love gardening."

DIY or don't

After leaving Kadriorg, the couple will also have to work out how to divide their time between Tallinn and Tartu. "We'll probably spend more of our time in Southern Estonia," Alar Karis said.

The president said he has a growing list of chores and projects waiting to be tackled once he leaves office.

"Our home has become a summer home," he admitted. "You head there and notice the spiderwebs are back again."

"I won't paint ceilings or floors, but I still do a lot of things myself when I can be at home," said Sirje Karis.

Not everything will be a DIY project, however. Karis joked that just a trip to a hardware store can leave even the president overwhelmed by the huge selection.

"You may want to do it yourself, but you simply don't know how," he said. "We've reached the point where if you don't know how to do something yourself, you should leave it to the pros."

Still busy for now

For now, Karis still has little time for home projects. Over the next five weeks, before his presidential term draws to a close, his time in Estonia will be limited by a string of visits abroad.

"In two or three days, I'm off to Ukraine, then Latvia and Italy, and after that it's trips to the Nordic countries, Germany and New York," he said.

The Riigikogu convenes to elect the next president of Estonia on September 2.

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