In 2019, while living in London (and poor as a church mouse), my dream and longing for a peaceful base in the countryside of my hometown was boiling in me. I made a rather spontaneous decision - but very much led by a strong intuition - to buy an old cabin with a view and with the intention of refurbishing it.

Located by the Smolenská fishing pond in the heart of the region of Malá Haná in Czechia, a place where I used to hang around as a kid and as a girl guide (nicknamed “Johanka”), its area is a place I have fond memories of. London rooted for me. My hometown network less so – they seemed horrified by an idea to build anything outside of the town, in a challenging hilly terrain, economic climate, and especially if this was a woman’s idea. Very few people believed this was going to be a successful project. Yes, they were correct in one thing. I had to get the original place knocked down, though not with a light heart. This was definitely not something I anticipated or wanted to hear in the beginning - or ever.

It is very safe to say that I knew nothing about building houses at the time of the purchase. I also had a very limited practical knowledge “of how things are done here”. On a few occasions I even had some cultural shocks by my own culture. But I believed in problem-solving and despite of all the negativity, I was in luck to find some skilled carpenters and other workers in the end. Many ups and downs followed, including me having to operate and oversee the project from thousands of miles away. But that was the part of the deal, I think.

The project was completed in 2023 and it’s a beauty. One always thinks their baby is the prettiest. Pouring all my heart and soul into this while navigating the complexities of the underground economy and oppressive bureaucracy within a predominantly male-dominated atmosphere, I made a conscious effort to maintain my focus:  To create a peaceful escape in the region so very close to my heart. While trying to achieve all this, I also found even more valuable things. It brought me closer to the community of my childhood again. I got to understand a lot of the local challenges, frustrations, and developed a lot of respect for some people. I even got to learn how to use a drill, a trowel or an electric saw. I also received a tremendous amount of help in critical moments from family and friends – and for that I am forever grateful.

In more words of Joni Mitchell, I looked at both sides now. And I am glad I did.