This is the story of a unique family: Jessica, Mauro, their daughters Gemma and Gea, and their son Siddharta. Jessica began this journey at 23, leaving university to live in a mountain home. Mauro met Jessica during a road trip in his camper, and together they chose a new path toward freedom. They settled on a plot called Prato Grande in Imperia, Liguria, and moved into an unconventional home: the yurta.

The Yurta: Nomadic Tradition and Sustainable Living

A yurta is a traditional nomadic dwelling used by the peoples of the Eurasian steppe, like the Mongolians. Today, more and more people are choosing to live in a yurta to reconnect with a simpler, more authentic way of life.

This circular structure, built from a combination of wood, felt, and fabric, offers a harmonious space with no inner walls, encouraging a sense of community and connection with nature. Living in a yurta allows people to reduce their environmental impact, let go of excess, and embrace a minimalist lifestyle that focuses on what truly matters: community, time, and a deep bond with the Earth.

Life in a Yurta

Despite the limited space, Jessica and Mauro, with incredible patience and dedication, have shaped their yurta to meet their daily needs, proving that even with little room, you can have everything you need. Every corner of their home is functional and inviting—a space where every item has a purpose and meaning.

They also built a small outdoor cooking area where they cook with wood even in summer, creating a true connection with nature. Using natural materials like earth, straw, and wood gathered from the surrounding forest, this structure speaks of a deep respect for the environment and a bond with the Earth that goes beyond simply living outdoors. Here, Jessica and Mauro nurture their family and cultivate a real harmony with the natural world around them.

The Benefits of Living in a Yurta

Despite the limited space and lack of electricity, the family experiences a profound sense of joy and contentment. Jessica and Mauro believe that living without appliances encourages creativity and independence, and they appreciate the few conveniences they do have, like their tractor, chainsaw, and computer.

Jessica and Mauro’s children, raised in the yurta in the heart of the forest, have developed a strong connection with nature. This experience has made them more environmentally aware, encouraging them to take part in daily activities and teaching them independence and trust in both themselves and the natural world.

Living Off the Grid

To reduce energy consumption, the family lives without appliances or artificial lighting, illuminating the yurta with candles at sunset. This choice has allowed everyone to sync with natural cycles, with significant benefits for their physical and mental well-being.

Despite the challenges brought by drought, the family gets their water from natural sources. Mauro transports water by tractor every two weeks to supply their vegetable garden and meet household needs. Their garden provides fresh, organic food, reducing dependency on supermarkets, while compost enriches the soil around their fruit trees.

Jessica and Mauro also work toward financial self-sufficiency by doing various jobs, such as agricultural work and house cleaning. This lifestyle demands flexibility and creativity to sustain themselves while staying true to their values of self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Siddharta: A Teen Outside the Box

Siddharta, Jessica and Mauro’s eldest child, is 17 and has a vision of life that’s deeply influenced by self-sufficiency and nature. Growing up in an alternative environment in the woods, he learned from an early age how to cultivate the land, manage natural resources, and live in close contact with the Earth. This has helped him develop a unique awareness and hands-on approach that’s become part of his identity, making him less interested in social media.

Despite his recent decision to go to university in the bigger village and live there to explore his independence, Siddharta still sees a deep connection with nature as essential. For him, living in harmony with the environment and maintaining an ecological lifestyle are values he holds dear, ones he hopes to carry forward in whatever path he takes.

Bureaucratic Challenges of Living in a Yurta

Living in a yurta isn’t without its challenges. The family faces bureaucratic and legal obstacles since their home doesn’t fit traditional housing codes. The lack of dialogue with local authorities and uncertainty around technical requirements present significant barriers. Plus, integrating services like running water and electricity adds further complications, requiring constant adaptation to regulations.

For Jessica and Mauro, being realistic about costs is crucial for a project like this. Starting with limited means, they’ve learned to manage financial challenges with patience and flexibility, recognizing the importance of a gradual approach to living in harmony with nature without letting their financial limits hold them back.

In a Nutshell

The story of Jessica, Mauro, and their three children living in a yurta in the woods is a tribute to simplicity and harmony with nature. This family shows that creativity and adaptability can transform every challenge into an opportunity, inspiring anyone who dreams of reconnecting with the essential values that tie us to the natural world.