For 70 years, a 78-year-old woman named Edith has lived in a home unlike any other. Built entirely from natural materials—branches, vines, and leaves—it’s a structure that blends into the surrounding forest. What’s truly remarkable, however, is that Edith has never cleaned her house—not once in seven decades.
From the outside, it looks like a whimsical creation of nature: branches woven together like a giant bird’s nest, moss clinging to the walls, and vines cascading down like curtains. But inside, Edith’s home is more than a shelter—it’s a masterpiece of resourcefulness and creativity, untouched by modern hands.
Curious to see inside? on the next page there are photos of the living room and the bedroom.
Despite decades of natural decay, the house remains strong. The branches that form the walls and roof have aged gracefully, their bark weathered but sturdy. The floor, covered in layers of compacted leaves, feels soft underfoot. “I don’t see it as dirty,” Edith says. “This house is alive. It’s part of the forest, just like me.”
The most fascinating part of Edith’s home is the way it tells a story. In one corner, visitors can see where tiny carvings have been etched into the branches. Edith reveals that these markings were made by her late husband, who helped build the house when they were newlyweds. Some carvings are simple shapes, while others are words of wisdom: “Grow with the trees” and “Home is where the heart rests.”
Those words became her compass. Lena decided she wouldn’t just let the windmill rot away. She would bring it back to life. The first few months were grueling. She spent her weekends and evenings researching windmill restoration, watching videos, and poring over old blueprints.
Leave a Reply