Our Journey

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Hussein El-Darwiche's establishment of Dar Zefta marked a key historical moment, transforming it into a hub of community life and agricultural prosperity. The home symbolized more than architecture; it embodied values of altruism and progress.

 Hussein’s influence on Zefta’s social and economic life lasted until the late 1930s. After his passing, his sons and grandsons continued his mission, preserving the village’s heritage, supporting education and local livelihoods. 

Over the years, Dar Zefta grew in community importance, notably in 1949 when Wajih El-Darwiche converted part of it into a classroom, embedding education into its essence. This educational commitment was furthered by the family's annual awards.

In the 1950s, the El-Darwiche family, in partnership with the local government and Municipality, established Zefta's first comprehensive school using Dar Zefta's facilities and also initiated an annual grant for top students.

 In the 1990s, the El-Darwiche family donated land for a freshwater reservoir in Zefta, providing a reliable water source for the village. 

 In the early 2000s, the family allocated land for a public garden and a 100 sqm multi-purpose community area, creating a space  for social gatherings and local activities and celebrations.

In 2017, Dar Zefta Foundation was founded with the goal of advancing social and economic progress in Zefta, leveraging its rich heritage, nurturing local agriculture, and promoting tourism to inspire similar revitalization in other villages.

After six years of restoration following the devastating fire in 2014, the El Darwiche Family reopened Dar Zefta in 2020 as a boutique guesthouse and community hub for culture, heritage, and women’s empowerment.