Siwa has a long tradition of building homes from the natural local materials which the oasis offers, primarily earth, blocks of salt and palm wood.
We host our guests in two eco-houses built in the traditional Siwa way - which is from earth and fossilised salt blocks - with olive and palm wood roofs.
Most of our retreat guests stay in Tamazeugh Castle - which I built in my farm three years ago. Situated in its own private garden - it is the epitome of hand-made and bespoke.
This is an intimate and rustic home - for up to four people. The main mezzanine double bedroom is above the central living area - with a wonderfully crafted king sized bed. There’s another bedroom behind - with two generous single beds - leading to a balcony that sits between the swaying trees.
Tamazeugh Castle has been finished with the most comfortable refinements - feather pillows - fine porcelain - artisan furniture and fittings. Made with an enormous amount of love - guests find it a great struggle to leave - which is exactly how I wished it to be.
Our ‘Fortress House’ built in the Old Shali
My other guest house in based inside the ancient fortress in the heart of old Siwa - which we call Tut Nadey House - five minutes from my garden. This ancient home is reserved for larger group retreats - or for international families who come and visit for longer periods of a month or more.
Sleeping up to six people across three bedrooms - Tut Nadey House has been renovated to combine its traditional charms such as open fire and thick earthen walls - with simple modern comforts - like wooden floors, air conditioning and a big gas hob and oven in the kitchen to cook on.
