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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Oct 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
46
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Details
Description
Join Our Eco-Artistic Journey!
Three and a half years ago, I stumbled upon a slice of paradise—a sun-drenched plot in the enchanting village of Dereköy, near Aydın, crowned with a thriving olive grove. As a fine artist (painter, sculptor, and author of a book on handmade paints), I saw more than just land—I saw a canvas for sustainable living.
Breathing new life into a crumbling 200-year-old Turkish mud house, I carefully restored its soul while honoring its history. Now, I’m crafting a brand-new eco-home from the earth itself—wood, straw bale, and lime plaster form its bones, while floors of clay and cow manure (yes, really!) keep it grounded. The perimeter wall rises using the ancient ‘Rammed Earth’ technique—the same method that built the Great Wall of China—and not a speck of cement in sight.
So far, a workshop and a whimsical strawbale roundhouse have sprung from these principles, with an art studio soon to follow. Over 200 Workawayers have already joined this adventure, lending their hands and hearts to the vision. With their help, I hope to complete this dream within a year.
Want to be part of something extraordinary? We’re now outfitting the pottery studio, crafting potters’ wheels, and building a wood-fired kiln—lessons will begin soon! Once the art studio and gallery open, I’ll teach painting, sculpting, and even how to make your own paints. Beyond art, our little farm thrives: seven buzzing beehives (beekeeping lessons included!), six egg-laying ducks, and a flourishing vegetable garden. Plus, our aquaponics system—fed by duck pond water—grows organic greens in perfect harmony. Soon, a donkey and goats will complete the family.
This is more than a project—it’s a hands-on school for sustainable living. Whether you’re drawn to natural building, organic farming, or creative arts, you’ll learn by doing, surrounded by like-minded souls.
As a member of the ‘European Straw Building Association’ and the ‘UK’s School of Natural Building’ (founded by Barbara Jones, the legendary strawbale pioneer), I’m deeply rooted in eco-construction. Now, I invite you to dig in, get inspired, and help grow this magical haven in Dereköy.
Come for the experience—leave with skills, stories, and maybe a little clay between your fingers!🌿🎨🐝
Types of help and learning opportunities
Charity Work
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Books
Videography
Technology
Sustainability
Self development
Pets
Farming
Culture
Charity work
Writing
Plant care
Photography
Music
History
Gardening
Drawing & painting
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Blogging
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Outdoor activities
Team sports
Nature
Fitness
Cycling
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will learn about architecture, sustainable building practices and culture, and languages. In the future once all the construction work is completed, I will be teaching art, pottery, bee keeping, animal husbandry, environmental sustainability living whilst having loads of fun
Help
All students are welcome, from architecture, arts, historians, crafts, carpentry, veterinarians, linguists (English, and Afrikaans is spoken by the host), if you have any other skills please enquire.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
Various types of accommodation anre available on the project site. There are 2 double rooms available with 2 toilets and showers. In good weather additional accommodation will be provided in the form of a 4man tent.
What else ...
We are 25 km from the ancient city of Ephesus and 8km from the ancient city of Magnesia. The Aegean Sea is only an 26 km away from Dereköy, where unspoilt beaches will welcome you. Izmir International airport is less than an hour away.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
No size limit, any campervan is acceptable
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Zeytin (5 years)
Mixed breed small dog
Duke and Duchess with 4 more younger ducks (6 months)
Domestic ducks
Kerpiç (3 years)
Mixed breed small dog
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (25)
I stayed for three weeks and learned a lot about natural building and carpentry, especially the straw-bale structures, even though most of my contribution was in helping Herman with his… read more
I'm really glad to hear that they valued the hands-on experience with the straw bale construction and enjoyed working with… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.6)
Cultural exchange:
(4.5)
Communication:
(4.4)
I stayed for three weeks and learned a lot about natural building and carpentry, especially the straw-bale structures, even though most of my contribution was in helping Herman with his… read more
I'm really glad to hear that they valued the hands-on experience with the straw bale construction and enjoyed working with… read more
Dereköy is a really peaceful and quiet village, and I stayed there for two weeks and enjoyed a relaxing time. I had a good time with host Herman, architect Tanju, Workawayers Lucile and Jim. Dogs Zeytin and Kerpiç and ducks are really cute! I usually worked from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (worked 5… read more
Herman took really care of us like family members. I felt very welcomed there. We had our meals together and went also shopping together to the market with the other workawayer Lucille. The work and free time was in a right balance.… read more
First of all I thank Herman and Tanju to accept me, because I sent a lot of messages to hosts but only this host accepted me and I get happy. I had sometimes free healthy and delicious food and always a clean bedroom. It was one of the best experiences for me to… read more
Hyeon was a fantastic addition to our team of Workaway volunteers. He picks up new skills quickly and is always willing to put in extra effort. He collaborated seamlessly with the group, clearly enjoying their company—and they loved having him around. While there were some initial communication… read more
This was my first workaway experience. I decided to work at Hermann and Tanju’s house because I thought that I would be able to learn about architectures, how to use tools, and communications. However, I learned much more things from this experience. I met wonderful people from Canada and England and I could communicate while… read more
There was a different job almost every day, from clay to stone and woodwork. We always received great guidance and were given a lot of freedom while working.
Even after work, we had a well-equipped workshop with lots of tools and plenty of wood and other materials at our disposal and we had the… read more
From the very beginning, Dana was deeply engaged in the project, showcasing… read more
Thank you Herman and Tanju for everything, we wish you all the best and hope to come back one day :).
Herman is a passionate and very interesting host. He welcomed me very well, in an organized way, and was very generous. His project is very rich and interesting. I carried out a wide variety of tasks in a pleasant environment. The village is charming, in the heart of the olive groves, and its… read more
The project is very unique and shows his creative vision...he is appreciative of… read more
