Sustainable Living

Hi! I’m Neha, an earthling who embarked on a journey to build a mud cottage in the remote village of Wan. Here’s my story:

From digging up soil and carrying wooden logs to plastering walls and laying tiles in the bathroom, I did it all with the help of a few friends. But let me start from the beginning.

After spending five years in and around the Himalayas, I witnessed firsthand how traditional construction methods were being replaced by modern techniques. Even in the most remote mountain regions, where hospitals and municipal services had yet to reach, cement and bricks began to replace traditional materials.

This shift toward urbanization in the interior villages had its downsides. Traditional mud and stone construction was well-suited to the snowy, cold climate—it kept homes warm in winter and breathable in summer. In contrast, the new brick and cement structures often made homes unbearably cold in the winter and prone to water seepage during the monsoon.

Motivated by these observations, I decided to build a mud cottage in Wan. My goal was twofold: to encourage the villagers to continue using their traditional construction techniques while also showcasing the benefits of these methods to tourists. This vision led to the creation of Offline Homestay.

Feel free to call or WhatsApp at +91 8095942396 to learn more about booking the cottage.

You can also send an email at offlinehomestay@gmail.com

Sustainabilty

Sustainability is now a buzzword in the construction industry, and while making a house eco-friendly is undeniably 'cool,' it also brings a host of practical benefits.

For my mud cottage, I sourced most of the materials locally. We reused empty cement sacks, filling them with soil to create the walls. This soil was collected from landslides around the village, and the wood came from the nearby forest. Some of the wood was recycled, while others were freshly cut for the roof—I'll admit that.

The GI sheets for the roof were procured from Haridwar. I initially planned to use local slate stone, but a load-bearing issue forced me to reconsider—something I'll keep in mind for future projects!

Local masons, carpenters, and even kids from the village lent a hand in the construction.

The soil and clay were sourced from within a 20-kilometer radius, and the sand was gathered from the stream behind the house.

A little history about the build

Every day, we would take empty cement sacks to the landslide, fill them with soil, and then carry them to the construction site to build the walls. Six-year-old Shristhi and three-year-old Aneeka were my enthusiastic helpers, holding up the sacks while I filled them and eagerly stomping on the cob mix.

Neighbourhood kids would join us in these sessions - the mud mixing like they were making wine, and helped us prepare large batches of cob before heading off to school. My friend and I would then spend the day applying the cob, and the cycle would repeat for days.

When it came to the roof, we brought in a carpenter for the professional expertise required.

The cottage’s various sculptures were crafted by friends, local women, and kids, allowing everyone to leave their mark on the home forever.

Empowering the locals

Now that the cottage is complete, my focus is on helping local girls save for their education. I’ve partnered with them to manage the housekeeping, ensuring the cottage is well-maintained. Every time guests stay, some money goes directly into their accounts, supporting their college education.

The landowner, who is also a taxi driver and guide, takes guests on tours and earns a share from these services. His wife prepares the meals and directly receives payment from the guests. This arrangement ensures that each member of the family can achieve a degree of financial independence, providing them with both freedom and opportunity.

Traveling to remote villages and interacting with the locals offers growth for everyone involved. We learn a great deal from each other—particularly about their extensive knowledge of local herbs, medicines, and farming practices.

When you visit, don’t miss the chance to buy some organically harvested Rajma, potatoes, or even a pumpkin

Offline Homestay

Now that you know the story behind the cottage, it’s ready for you to book and enjoy whenever you like.

The cottage features a comfortable king-sized bed with duvets to keep you warm and cozy, an attached toilet with hot water, and a kitchenette equipped with an induction stove and kettle.

The landowner has five children, ranging from 2 to 15 years old. You might encounter curious little ones peeking in and coming by with wide eyes. They’re friendly and eager to interact, but if you prefer some privacy, don’t hesitate to gently say, "No, don’t come in," and feel free to play with them outside instead.

Local dogs and the occasional mischievous cat might also drop by. To keep them out of the cottage, make sure to close the door securely. Remember, you’re living in nature, and it was their home long before it became yours.

In conclusion, I spent over a year building this cottage. On rare occasions, up to four people were working on it alongside me, while at other moments, it was just me (with Shrishti and Aneeka of course). I poured my sweat, blood, tears, and laughter into this project.

Building this home with my own hands, using whatever materials were available, has been a momentous achievement. It stands as a testament to what’s possible when you dedicate yourself to a dream.

This cottage is not just a place to stay; it’s a milestone and a personal triumph.