We Left Skopje to Renovate the Rural Eco House

January will conclude with a powerful story about Borche and Simona, who completed their studies in Skopje, but their desire to invest in a village, which may one day develop into an eco-tourism destination, was very strong.

Many of you have probably never heard of the village of Star Istevnik. This small village is located about twenty kilometers from Delcevo, in the beautiful Pijanec region, which is abundant in nature. A quiet and peaceful village, it began attracting many young people with the arrival of Borche and Simona.

The two are a young married couple who, in recent years, decided to invest in something unusual and extraordinary. It is an old family house built exclusively from natural materials.

The village is nestled between the Vlaina and Sredno mountains. Like most villages in the country, Star Istevnik is facing a rapid migration to the cities.

Their house is built with natural and local materials such as earth, sand, wood, lime, and straw, and they are now using the same materials for its restoration.

In recent years, volunteers from various European countries, such as Spain, Italy, France, Poland, Slovenia, and from Argentina, have participated in the restoration of the home. Their interest lies in eco-building and sustainable living.

The story would not be complete without mentioning that the yard of their house is planted with numerous local ecological fruits that thrive in this region. The eco-building is further complemented by homegrown food, cultivated without the use of pesticides.

Borche and Simona say that what attracts them most to the village is the vast array of outdoor activities. The potential offered by nature and the freedom it brings provide an opportunity for a new adventure every day. After two years, they say they are truly proud of what they have achieved.

Their goal is to preserve tradition and share the knowledge held by the local population in the Pijanec region. For them, the villages here represent the true potential for developing eco-tourism.

Clean mountain drinking water and fresh air are their top priorities. Their vision is to create a center for sustainable practices, named 'Natural Perspective.' The center's work will focus on developing ideas and practices for sustainable living, practices for the well-being of the body, mind, and spirit, ecological food production, and rural tourism.

The village of Star Istevnik is located at an altitude of 750 meters, making it an excellent place to enjoy both summer and winter days. Borche and Simona are people who welcome tourists from all corners. They hope that tourists will be interested in studying the construction methods of this house, actively participating in educational workshops on eco-building, tasting local food that is rich in flavor, and learning more about gardening.

The innovation of this place lies in its ability to combine various forms of exchange, such as volunteering, organizing educational workshops, and offering a tourism experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in village life by participating in daily activities that blend tradition with the modern.