Michael Scherrer, 48, a content creator and gardener, has spent £20,000 creating a miniature Greek village in his backyard in Lake Konstanz, Switzerland, alongside his brother Samuel. The 15 by 15 metres site features white walls, blue shutters, cobbled streets, and a tiny bar, offering an immersive Greek experience without the tourist crowds.
Michael explained the challenges: 'It took longer than you think to build because of permissions in Switzerland – and having to break for the weather,' noting winter temperatures below freezing. The brothers have built on 600 of their 1,500 square meters of land.
Immersive experience and social media fame
The village is designed to transport visitors to a sun-soaked holiday destination. 'Because it’s summer, whenever I go in there I feel like I am transported,' Michael said. 'We tried to build the bar point so you are completely submerged in the mini village – and it really does feel like you are there.' Friends often fool others into thinking they are on holiday, with Michael's sister once convincing coworkers she had a weekend getaway.
The brothers share their building processes on Instagram, where they have over 70,000 followers since starting in November 2024. Their account features digging, gravel installation, flooring, and landscaping.
Wider theme park and future plans
The Greek village is part of a larger backyard theme park with themed areas, including a fairytale alley with a Rapunzel tower, a garden with 150 tulips, a small Irish bar with Guinness, and Halloween spaces. They have already built a Japanese garden with stonework and maple trees, and plan a fishing village and guest room.
Future projects include a Friends-themed apartment and a pirate ship. The brothers also plan to list the Greek village on Airbnb in 2027. They have teased an 'exciting new project at a hotel' in Zermatt, Switzerland, coming in October.
