The story of Vana-Kaasiku Farm
Vana-Kaasiku began with a personal desire for silence and slowness, clean food and biodiversity.
When I was looking for a new home for myself and my son in 2021, I had a clear wish. The goal was to find enough land with a forest and a farmhouse in South Estonia, to continue bringing people together around a campfire and to cultivate powerful soil.
Life then smoothly guided me to the lands of Vana-Kaasiku in October 2021, where “Yes, this is paradise!” resonated clearly through my whole body. Soon the keys were in hand, and we celebrated the young master’s first birthday here.
The farmstead with its dwelling house, storehouse, barn, and stone cellar has been here since the end of the 19th century. Before me, Old-Tori horses were bred on the farm, and the land was known as Hargo. Originally, however, it was Kaasiku Farm. Since more Kaasiku farms had appeared in the village in the meantime, the original name could no longer be restored. Therefore, this land was consecrated as Vana-Kaasiku Farm instead.
Over the years and with the support of the community, Vana-Kaasiku has
grown into a home for heart's joys and soulful depths.
About the Firekeeper of Vana-Kaasiku
Kärt Rästas, the firekeeper and hostess of Vana-Kaasiku.
I landed here to build my nest in 2021. in the year. At that moment, 23 years old, baby on hip, friends around, and a clear vision in mind – to create a magical world.
I was born and went to school in Tallinn, lived and studied in the Netherlands for a while, traveled with a backpack, and in a magical way, life has brought me back full circle to my ancestral roots in South Estonia.
As a Rästas (Thrush), you might spot me warbling by the fire, dancing under the sun, doing face paintings with kids, clearing snow with a tractor, meditating in my cave, reading poetry, learning everything from tantra to natural building and from beatboxing to quantum physics, moving with excitement in alternative circles, diving simultaneously into the ancient and the innovative, or seeing me on a migratory flight in the south, nesting in the moss, laughing from the heart, and the next moment floating in silence on the lake, contemplating the soul and eternity, listening to people’s diverse stories, and bringing dreams to life knowing that everything is possible.
The Hostess's Heartfelt Wish
“Most of all in this world, I wish that everyone could freely be themselves. That a greater sense of security would live within us to relax into ourselves. My heart’s calling is creating a village and bringing people together – to create and hold a space where you are welcome whether bursting with energy or in a state of total vulnerability, in childish playfulness or deep contemplation, right-side up or upside down – completely allowed. This is exactly the embassy of being human that I am watering and growing here in enchanting Estonia! For me, Vana-Kaasiku carries the sacred space of freedom and authenticity.”
Vana-Kaasiku Community
The Vana-Kaasiku community got its initial spark from the shared vision of Kärt and her circle of friends – we like being together, doing things together, creating together. A group of people who come together for a shorter or longer time to live village life together in the countryside. Over the years, this circle of friends has grown wider, connecting with other like-minded people. Our core values are linked to the principles of permaculture – both nature and people are cared for here. Culture and creativity play an important role.
- Together they like to:
- work with the land
- craft and build
- stare at the fire, enjoy the sauna
- cook and dine together
- meditate and rave
- idle and play together
- think big and execute boldly
- work together for bigger dreams
Here we shake off the excessive rush and relax together into ourselves, into the rhythms of nature.
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