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debedlife perle logo
work with us

AbOUT US

A Home That Grew Into a Destination

Debed Life and Perle are two expressions of one vision

Debed Life – The Beginning

A New Way of Rural Living

Debed Life was born from the journey of a digital nomad and globetrotter searching for a place that felt both grounding and inspiring. From the start, Tatevik envisioned shared living in a rural community—an uncommon idea in Armenia at the time, where village life was rarely associated with quality living. Debed Life became a living example that another way was possible.
2017, Ninh Binh, Vietnam — slow rural life, nature, and coliving inspired the concept of Debed Life.
Building a Home Across Continents

Global Vision, Local Roots

Construction began in autumn 2017 while Tatevik was still pursuing her career abroad, traveling between Asia, Europe, and South America. With regular returns to Armenia to oversee the work, she finally moved to Debed in April 2019 to complete the house—now her permanent home. World travels deeply influenced the space, carefully balanced with local materials, original proportions, and village aesthetics.
Building the house was terrifying—too remote, no roads, no shortcuts. But there was no plan B, just the vision and one step forward at a time.
Hospitality Against All Odds

A Quiet Opening

The house was ready just before the global COVID-19 lockdown. After more than six months of quarantine, Debed Life welcomed its first guests in August 2020. The experience was intense and deeply meaningful—eight weeks of hosting that year before the war began in October, marking a fragile yet powerful start.

New Beginning

Where Perle Began

In 2021, Debed Life reopened with renewed energy and purpose. Encouraged by guests’ appreciation, the team grew and the experience deepened. It was during this time that sourdough baking became central, and the food served at the house began attracting attention beyond accommodation. Pop-up restaurant evenings followed—unexpected, intimate, and successful—planting the seed for what would become Perle.

Still in the Making

A home, not a concept

In the years that followed, alongside new construction and ideas, life in Debed unfolded naturally. Debed Life was never meant to be a purely commercial project—it is a living one. A place shaped by creatives, travelers, food lovers, and nature seekers, sharing moments, ideas, and sections of life, and continuing to evolve with every person who becomes part of it.

Why Debed?

When I first arrived in Debed, I was struck by the greenery—especially in July, when Armenia is usually dry and golden. The mild climate, the deep calm of the landscape, and the rhythm of slow village life made me want a place I could always return to. It felt like a natural hideaway—quiet, grounding, and deeply inspiring.

TATEVIK
Our Location
How Perle Was Born

From Need to Vision

Perle was born as a response to a growing need for thoughtful, high-quality gastronomy in the region—something beyond the expected. What began as serving our guests soon expanded into a larger vision: creating a culinary anchor for the area, contributing to local life and regional growth. From the start, construction and fundraising moved hand in hand.
Coins dropped into the foundation marked a quiet point of no return.
TATEVIK
Building Together

Investing in rural communities

Rooted in Tatevik’s long-standing commitment to rural development, Perle grew through collaboration. With the support of international organizations such as USAID, GIZ, and COAF, alongside private investors, a shared vision took shape. After two years of building and preparation, Perle opened its doors in October 2023.

From Seed to Pearl

A philosophy shaped by time, care, and craft

Perle began with a small, thoughtful menu, a sourdough bakery quietly shaping our foundation, and an uncompromising focus on quality—partly self-grown, locally sourced ingredients, and deep attention to every guest. We believed in growth through consistency and care, much like nature slowly turning a grain of sand into a pearl. Over time, this philosophy led us to evolve into a fine-dining restaurant that placed Debed on Lori’s must-visit map. 

Where Food Meets Art

By uniting food and art under one roof, Perle added a new layer to community life, marked by moving art collaborations, memorable gastronomic experiences, and an ever-unfolding journey ahead.

Art & Gastro Experiences
During my years in Germany, I was struck by a simple expression I often heard: “This is my pearl”—a way of honoring a woman as something deeply precious.
TATEVIK
THE MEANING OF PERLE

Our Women & Values

“Perle” means pearl in German and French.

At Perle, women form the backbone of the business. They are the heart of the kitchen, the dining room, the service, and the story. Like pearls in nature—formed layer by layer through patience and resilience—we believe in growth through care, time, and trust. Each woman is supported to develop skills, confidence, and professional strength.

 

A Woman-Led Business With Purpose

Debed Life & Perle are woman-founded and woman-led businesses rooted in purpose. Through meaningful employment, professional training, and a safe working environment, we’ve created sustainable economic opportunities for women in Debed and beyond—offering not just jobs, but new perspectives for growth and independence.

Two Places, One Experience

STAY AT DEBED LIFE

An intimate mountain retreat offering style, warmth, and authentic modern living.

DINE AT PERLE

Enjoy distinctive cuisine and wine in an inspiring setting shaped by art and ideas.

Come Be Part of the Story

Whether you stay, dine, celebrate, or create with us — you step into a place shaped by people, time, and care.

Stay

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Dine

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Celebrate