Homo Ratus: Choppers and Classic Cars in Koropi

We spoke with George Fakinos about Homo Ratus, the former stable he restored in Koropi, a town in eastern Attica near Athens, his passion for classic vehicles and retro collectibles, and the events he hosts there.

Born and raised in Koropi, George Fakinos decided about a decade ago to breathe new life into an abandoned 100-year-old stable. Today, the space is home to custom motorcycles, classic cars, vintage furniture, musical instruments, rugs, toys, decorative objects, a functioning jukebox, and an old wooden bar reminiscent of mid-century America.

What began as a place to house his own dreams and passions gradually became something much bigger. George regularly opens the venue to the public, hosting concerts, themed gatherings, and parties with food, drinks, and music. The visitors are as diverse as the collection itself, ranging from motorcycle and rock music enthusiasts to young people, couples, and families with children.

Inside the cozy lounge, with its low wooden ceiling and crystal chandelier, visitors will find table football, pinball machines, vintage bicycles, retro posters, metal signs, and atmospheric lighting that together create a nostalgic journey through time.

With his long hair, beard, and cowboy-style hat, accompanied by his loyal white-and-brown dog Mourgos, George welcomed us into the stable he named Homo Ratus, a name that carries special significance for him. He spoke about his personal journey, the story behind Homo Ratus, and his vision for a community that continues to dream, create, and keep the spirit of another era alive.

George, tell us a few things about yourself.

I grew up in Koropi, a place I loved deeply. I had the kind of childhood that leaves you with scraped knees and bruises from playing outdoors all day. As I got older, I was swept up by the routine of everyday life without even realizing it. Then, at some point, that romantic little spark that fuels our true desires flared up again. I found myself returning to my childhood roots. Back then I would repair bicycles in my father's small garage; today I bring old motorcycles, and many other things, back to life.

What is Homo Ratus? What can people find there? Describe the space for us.

"Homo Ratus" translates roughly from Latin as"rat man." In damp basements, overgrown yards, and dusty garages, old vehicles and forgotten objects are often hidden away. While many people see these things as worthless, those who appreciate the past see their value. Such places are usually inhabited by large rats, and that is how the name came about.

Almost thirteen years ago, we settled into this old stable in Koropi and began shaping the idea that has now become Homo Ratus. Today, custom-built and classic motorcycles coexist alongside vintage objects, musical instruments, a comfortable lounge, and an old wooden bar.

What does this place mean to you personally?

Simply put, it is a place that shelters my dreams, the dreams of my friends, and those of people who care about us. Objects that others considered useless are brought here and given a second life. They become part of new memories. In an age when almost everything is designed with an expiration date, this stable tries to preserve things that connect us to an earlier era, one that felt more authentic, more romantic, and perhaps more meaningful.

Besides chopper motorcycles and classic cars, what else can people do there?

Beyond the vehicles you'll find here, the stable does something far more important for me: it brings people together. Through music, through machines that still rumble to life after decades, through gatherings that recapture the spirit of old-fashioned parties, the space connects different cultures and generations. It respects nature, encourages individuality, and gives inspiration to people who choose not to follow conventional paths.

Who are the people who come here? How have they embraced the concept?

The truth is that the stable has managed to unite many different communities.Imagine a mixture of old-school bikers, rock music lovers, BMX riders and skateboarders, parents with young children chasing the stable's cats, and people who simply feel nostalgic for past decades.

What are your plans for the future of Homo Ratus?

As a romantic, I believe the future belongs to the younger generation, to people who continue to dream, refuse to fit into predefined molds, and are not satisfied with simply accepting the status quo. I would love to see the stable continue evolving through fresh ideas while remaining true to its culture and identity.

We have quite a few unfinished projects here. When people ask me when they will be completed, I simply tell them they are waiting for the next generation to finish them. In the end, this stable became a meeting point for ideas and cultures. People who happened to cross paths at a bar, during a motorcycle ride, or at a concert became lifelong friends. They dared to follow their passions. They never quite fit into conventional molds. Today, many have gray hair, but they still crank the engine of life as if no time has passed.