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Craft a sustainable dream in a Turkish Village

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    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

    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

    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

    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

    Help

    All students are welcome, from architecture, arts, historians, crafts, carpentry, veterinarians, linguists (Turkish, English, and Afrikaans is spoken by the hosts), if you have any other skills please enquire.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    Turkish: Fluent

    This 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

    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 ...

    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

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    No size limit, any campervan is acceptable

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

Host ref number: 962383491531

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