**Brothers Create Enchanting Greek Retreat in Swiss Backyard**
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In an inspiring tale of ingenuity and dedication, brothers Michael and Samuel Scherrer have transformed their backyard in Thurgau, Switzerland, into a delightful Greek-inspired escape. Over the span of two years, the siblings have meticulously designed their own slice of the Mediterranean, complete with whitewashed buildings and cobalt doors nestled among tranquil pathways, vibrant flowers, and an inviting taverna.
The idea for this project stemmed from their love of theme parks and the many trips they have shared to Greece. For Michael, who is 49, the realisation of “Mini Greece” began as a way to fulfil a long-standing dream. “We’ve always wanted to create a park of our own,” he explained. “After years of planning larger projects that never materialised, we decided to bring the dream home to our backyard instead.”
When the Scherrer brothers acquired their property, it was far from the captivating oasis it is today. The garden was lush but neglected, and the house needed significant renovations. Rather than undertaking the entire transformation at once, Michael and Samuel adopted a more manageable approach, focusing on one aspect of the property at a time. “We started about five years ago, working gradually on the house while slowly crafting different themed areas in the garden,” Michael noted. “Mini Greece became one facet of that grander vision.”
The garden’s design serves as a perfect complement to another area, dubbed Fairytale Alley, which contains indoor spaces ideal for chilly months. The construction of intimate streets, outdoor seating, and the taverna has transformed their outdoor space into a serene retreat, allowing the brothers to enjoy leisurely evenings reminiscent of warm summer nights in Greece.
Attention to detail was paramount for the Scherrer brothers, who sought to create an authentic atmosphere. To achieve this, they incorporated vibrant bougainvillea plants, Ouzo bottles, dangling laundry, and the charming presence of cats, all adding to the setting’s lived-in feel. “The more detail we add, the more genuine it becomes,” Michael remarked.
Over the course of their project, Michael and Samuel undertook the majority of the construction themselves, enlisting the help of friends wherever possible. The total cost of building “Mini Greece” was around £12,000, although they acknowledge that this figure does not fully account for the countless hours spent on the labour of love.
Their backyard transformation garnered significant attention, particularly on social media platforms, with one TikTok video highlighting their Greek oasis racking up an impressive 8.6 million views. This viral interest reflects the enthusiasm and community support surrounding their project. The brothers’ friends have expressed a desire to replicate the charm of Mini Greece in their own gardens, and they frequently take pictures in the idyllic setting. Michael recalls a touching moment when their sister’s colleagues mistook images of the escape for her holiday snaps. “That made us smile,” he said.
While currently a private retreat, the Scherrer siblings have plans to open Mini Greece for select events throughout the year, particularly at Halloween and Christmas. Their website also offers private bookings for photographs and gatherings, with future plans for a themed guest room inspired by the show Friends, set to debut in Spring 2027.
Their passion project has garnered international attention, with both brothers appearing on three Greek television channels in September. “Receiving such a warm response from the people whose country inspired Mini Greece means so much to us,” Michael shared.
Yet, beyond the fame and accolades, the primary intent behind Mini Greece remains grounded in simplicity. For Michael and Samuel, this enchanting retreat provides a necessary respite from their demanding careers in 3D animation and technology. “We can step outside, sit together, and feel as if we’re on holiday, even on an ordinary day at home,” Michael affirmed. “We wanted to create a space for relaxation, capturing that endless summer vibe. Mini Greece gives us just that.”
The Scherrer brothers’ project exemplifies the power of creativity and the joy of bringing a personal dream to life, all while fostering a space for shared quality time. With continued plans for expansion and community engagement, their little corner of Greece in Switzerland serves as a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are found right at home.