Is Our Authentic Mongolian Yurt Right For You?
Over the last few years we have seen the yurt become a viable alternative for living space, recreation, business and pleasure. Such a truly fabulous evolution. However, with this growth comes competition, abundance of information, increased marketing and consumer knowledge. Product expectations are at an all-time high right across the board. In the case of our yurts and products, are your expectations realistic?
A yurt is an advanced tent. It is installed mostly outdoors and can be exposed to very harsh climates. In our case, we use mostly natural materials. The canvas is cotton based. The felt is made of sheep wool. The wood is mostly pine and larch, and we still use horse hair ropes. It can be expected that these materials will age even with minimal exposure to sun, rain, wind, ice and snow.
The authentic yurt is an absolute perfect dwelling for Mongolian nomads who require a sturdy shelter that is able to with-stand the extreme weather conditions. Details mean far less to them as they are setting their yurt up, taking it down and moving it three to four times a year. The yurt loves this attention and constant change. If something is broken or damaged, they will simply fix it. If water gets in they make adjustments. The Mongolian way is to find a solution.
Since 2003 we have been committed to making authentic Mongolian gers (yurt) available to the Western market. We continually strive to improve the quality of the materials, the product and the workmanship. We do this in the highest regard for those who manufacture our yurts, our customers, and the integrity of the authentic yurt itself. Current demands have us developing new products that are not customary to the authentic Mongolian yurt. Although we are very excited about the addition of bow windows, dome covers, and other non-traditional options, we are also very aware that these changes can open the yurt up to other risks factors as well. Our authentic Mongolian yurt is a very beautiful culturally strong dwelling, and it should be respected as such. We must simply keep in mind that it is not a 4-walled modern house.
If you purchase a yurt, be ready to use it. For example, do not let your yurt sit unused in the middle of the woods for 6-months. Take it down, store it properly and respect that it is organic in nature. If left unattended you can expect it to be very sad and return to it roots, in the ground. Be ready to adapt yourself to the yurt and adapt the yurt to your needs. If you don’t have a wee bit of practical skills, be ready to learn some.
We have sold over 1000 yurts in the last 16 years. I have personally installed over half of them. Of interest is that I have witnessed people with almost no practical skills, make living in a yurt their dream existence. They learned to be flexible, make modifications, and find solutions. While in other, far less cases, the yurt comes back after the first sign of an issue. Understanding the advantages, limitations and challenges that come with yurt living is the first step in understanding if yurt living is right for you. Because of the increasing popularity of the authentic Mongolian yurt, and the glamorous pictures that often accompany them, I feel it is my responsibility to draw your attention to the true nature and limitations of this amazing dwelling, before you jump in. This being said, even a house requires regular maintenance and care to keep it strong and healthy. Dollar for Dollar the yurt is a great investment, but it is not for everyone. Low maintenance costs, no mortgage, little or no carbon foot print, handmade, natural, organic, transportable, sustainable living, are true words that make living in our yurts very attractive.
We ask that you please take some time to read through our website. Do your research and get in touch with fellow yurters. Not sure where to go? Call us, we would love to help. If buying an authentic Mongolian yurt is for you, you have most definitely come to the right place!
Sincerely,
Yves Ballenegger, founder of GroovyYurts
Yves Ballenegger, founder of GroovyYurts
