Inside Nūt, the Boutique Farming Lodge on Cairo’s Eastern Fringes

Named after the ancient Egyptian goddess of the sky, the stars and the cosmos, Nūt is a boutique farming lodge on the eastern edge of Cairo, offering a natural haven just a few kilometres from the bustling metropolis. Originally built as a family summer house, the property has evolved into a sought-after venue for weddings, photoshoots, and film productions managed by couple Alexander Rizk and Ewelina Trzpis.

Some may recognise Nūt from Mohammed Ramadan’s latest music video collaboration with British artist Afro B, ‘Joanna’, where the two singers - accompanied by a background crew of dancers dressed in an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern and African-inspired designs - are seen dancing amid Nūt’s verdant garden, distinctive purplish domes and lily-covered swimming pool.

“The house was designed by my friend Mohamed El Agizy,” Rizk, who is Austrian-Egyptian, explains to SceneTraveller. “We went around Islamic Cairo and the City of the Dead looking to incorporate traditional elements into the design, and Thomas was of course influenced by the legendary Hassan Fathy and his distinct vernacular style.”

Rooted in Islamic and ancient Egyptian architectural traditions, the house features a harmonious blend of domes, vaults and courtyards that integrate seamlessly with the surrounding countryside. “Sustainability was our focus,” Rizk and Trzpis share. “We used traditional techniques to ensure natural ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning. The result is an earthy, rustic retreat that feels worlds apart from the concrete villas on Cairo's outskirts.”

This eco-conscious ethos extends to the house's latest addition - a sitting room built around a neem tree. “The tree keeps the room cool in summer and its natural insecticidal properties keep pests away,” the couple explains.

However arguably Nūt’s most distinct feature is its sunken Roman inspired amphitheater which also features in Ramadan’s video. “It was supposed to be a firepit, but the workers dug too deep,” Trzpis recalls with a laugh. “We improvised, turning it into a gathering space with perfect acoustics for jam sessions.”

Before the house came the garden, which remains Nūt’s crowning glory. “When my family bought the farm in the 1980s, they started by planting pecan trees,” Rizk shares. “We wanted to build on that legacy and expand it for the next generation.” Today, the farm is home to mangoes, tangerines, grapevines, and exotic specimens like Senegalese sago palms and a majestic baobab tree from Madagascar.