Beautifully Restored 19th Century Beach House in Patmos 

At a tranquil bay on the island of Patmos, you will find a breathtaking 19th Century beach house that’s been beautifully restored and designed for guests to unwind, relax and take in the stunning sea views.

Within steps from Merikas Bay, the seafront villa “Merikas” is ideally located- as it’s just a three-minute drive from the island’s port and 10 minutes away from Chora, allowing guests to easily explore the island. 

Inspired by the traditional architecture of Patmos, this exceptionally designed house offers guests privacy, tranquility, and all the modern comforts- without losing its authentic and traditional charm.  

Insights Greece - Beautifully Restored 19th Century Beach House in Patmos 
Insights Greece - Beautifully Restored 19th Century Beach House in Patmos 
Insights Greece - Beautifully Restored 19th Century Beach House in Patmos 
Insights Greece - Beautifully Restored 19th Century Beach House in Patmos 
Insights Greece - Beautifully Restored 19th Century Beach House in Patmos 

With respect to the island’s rich history and culture, the beach house has been carefully restored using mostly local materials and the chic interiors and decor (designed by the talented Studio Krokalia in collaboration with Studio Pale) include boho style furniture and decor pieces custom made by local artisans. 

The holiday villa features one bedroom, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a separate living area that opens up to a beautiful terrace- where guests can enjoy the majestic views of Merikas Bay and Skala harbour. 

Upstairs is where the spacious bedroom is found, with an ensuite and a private balcony. There are also two sofa beds in the living room- sleeping four guests in total. 

The property also offers an outdoor garden dining area, BBQ, private parking; as well as WiFi, laundry, and a fireplace for those who wish to stay here in the cooler months. 

Combining simple elegance, tradition, comfort, and privacy, this holiday home is perfect for a summer stay in Patmos.  

Merikas Beach House 

Images Courtesy of Studio Krokalia ©

Greek Artist’s Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 

Onos Residence is a stunning three-level holiday villa located on the beautiful island of Hydra. 

Once home and art studio to renowned Greek postwar and contemporary painter Christos Karas, this captivating property recently received an extensive makeover and has now opened its doors as a holiday house – welcoming guests to a touch of luxury overlooking the Aegean Sea.  

Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 
Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 

Ideal for large groups as it can comfortably host twelve people (or up to seventeen with sofa beds); the holiday villa can also be rented out as three separate suites, with each floor featuring its own set of bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchenette and other facilities. 

Blending the charm of Hydra’s traditional stone houses with the island’s artsy character (Hydra is famous for capturing the heart of writers, musicians, painters and more) the carefully thought-out renovation has given the property a fine, modern touch.

Each level opens up to a breathtaking terrace with casual lounges and alfresco dining areas- the perfect spot for a morning coffee, or dinner under the stars while overlooking the coast of the Peloponnese and the enchanting port of Kamini.

Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 
Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 
Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 
Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 
Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 

Inside you will find original artworks that are displayed throughout the bedrooms and living spaces; while impressive sculptures are carefully placed outdoors on the terraces- inspiring a genuine connection with the roots of the residence. 

The villa also boasts a charming garden where guests can read their book under a blossoming lemon tree, enjoy their full continental breakfast, or from here take a two-minute stroll and arrive at the scenic beach and beach club of Castello.

Whether it’s a special getaway with family and friends or a much-needed holiday for two, Ornos is the perfect base to explore the entire island.  

Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 
Insights Greece - Greek Artist's Home Turned Into Holiday Villa in Hydra 

Location

The residence is situated in Kamini, guaranteeing easy transportation to and from the residence via Kamini port (cars are not allowed on the island.) The town of Hydra is a 15-minute walk while Mandraki beach is a short and scenic boat taxi ride from Kamini. Other points of interest nearby include the Profitis Ilias Monastery, which is 1.5 km away, as well as George Kountouriotis Manor and Leonard Cohen’s House. For dining out, guests can head to Taverna Christina, which is a 5-minute walk away.

Onos Residence

A: Kamini, Hydra 

Romantic Escape at a Tiny Villa in Symi

At a tranquil village on the island of Symi, you will find a gorgeous little villa designed for couples to connect, de-stress or just relax along the stunning waterfront.

This tiny fishing cottage “On the Rocks” in Nimborio, is a place where you can unwind and feel totally at peace. From a quick dip at a nearby beach to enjoying a coffee and some light reading, or a candlelit dinner on the private terrace- this small sanctuary for two provides the perfect base for couples on a romantic getaway.

  • Insights Greece - Romantic Escape at a Tiny Villa in Symi
  • Insights Greece - Romantic Escape at a Tiny Villa in Symi

With the option to do what you like, when you like, the space offers privacy, freedom, and a mini home away from home vibe. Featuring one bedroom, one bathroom, a private terrace, wardrobe space, air-conditioning, and free WiFi, the holiday cottage is a short walk away from a traditional Greek taverna, a hotel restaurant, and a beach bar serving food all day long.

For those who wish to explore the rest of the beautiful island, guests have easy access to Symi’s main harbour town using the regular water taxi service, which also connects to many of the island’s breathtaking beaches every morning and afternoon. Water taxis can also be booked privately in the evening for those wishing to head to town at night- where you will find a great range of eateries and bars to choose from.

So if you’re planning your next Greek island escape for two or even looking for an ideal retreat as a solo traveller (for the ultimate me-time), this is the perfect place!

On the Rocks

Discover the 10 Best Things to Do in Symi

Building Activity Goes Through the Roof in Greece

Building activity in Greece shot up by nearly 100 percent in May with construction in western parts of the country picking up the most, data from the statistics office show.

The construction boom comes despite a sharp rise in the cost of building materials that is weighing heavily on markets, as seen in Cyprus, while in Italy the government has decided to subsidize infrastructure projects to avoid the risk of companies dumping the contracts.

In Greece, the Hellenic Statistical Authority said that total building activity, based on volume, reached 2.4 million cubic meters, up 97 percent from a year earlier. The highest growth rates were seen in Epirus (480 percent), in the north-west, and western parts of Greece’s mainland  (259.7 percent). In Attica, where Athens is located, there was a 123 percent rise.

Insights Greece - Building Activity Goes Through the Roof in Greece
Image courtesy of The Greek Guru

For the same month, the total number of building permits issued by authorities nationwide rose 62.9 percent to 2,222.

A recovering economy in Greece is helping fuel demand for homes as prices on some islands have gained as much as 26 percent amidst easing travel restrictions. Real estate agents say that buying activity from foreign nationals has mostly focused on southern Athens, along the coastal area called the Athens Riviera and the islands.

Among the recent measures introduced by the Greek government that has helped push the real estate market – and prices –  higher is the suspension of VAT payments on new building permits and unsold properties built after January 1, 2006, and a reduction of the single property tax (ENFIA).

The rising cost of building materials is causing major headaches for the industry that is seeing a post-pandemic boom globally, raising fears of bubble markets emerging in Europe and elsewhere in the world. In the first quarter of the year, housing prices in Turkey recorded the highest gains in the world, jumping 32 percent. 

The cost of basic construction materials, such as copper and timber, has soared by as much as 70 percent since the start of the year on the back of an improving global economy. In Cyprus, building officials estimate that the cost of constructing a home has risen some 20 percent recently, with some builders refusing to complete contracts unless they are covered for the price hikes.

Meanwhile, in Italy, the government is putting aside 100 million euros to help building firms working on public projects as construction costs go through the roof.

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of 314 Architecture Studio  

Home Prices Rise Rapidly on Many Greek Islands

Buyers looking for a beachfront home on a Greek island are faced with a mixed market as asking prices on Serifos, Naxos and Paros rise rapidly, but drop on Skopelos and Patmos.

Demand has been picking up in Greece’s residential housing market in recent months as the economy rebounds from last year’s steep pandemic-induced recession and easing travel restrictions help attract foreign buyers.

Real estate agents say that buying activity from foreign nationals has been mostly focused on southern Athens, along the coastal area called the Athens Riviera, and the islands.

Data collected by Spitogatos.gr shows that the asking price for homes on the islands of Serifos, Samothrace and Poros topped the list jumping in the last year by 26.2 percent (to 2,649 euros/sq.m) 23.1 percent (to 1,066 euros/sq.m) and 20 percent (to 2,000/sq.m) respectively.

Next on the list come Antiparos, Naxos, Kythnos and Paros with hikes in selling prices reaching 17.6 percent (3,823 euros/sq.m), 15 percent (2,697 euros/sq.m.), 12.8 percent (2,255 euros/sq.m) and 12.5 percent (2,812 euros/sq.m) respectively

More than eight in ten potential home buyers on the Greek islands are foreign nationals, according to Georg Petras, CEO of Engel & Völkers in Greece, with strong interest coming from central European countries,

Strong interest is noted especially from Central Europeans coming from the DACH regions (45 percent from Germany, 15 percent from Switzerland and 10 percent from Austria) as well as the Benelux countries and the USA.

 

Price drops

On the downside, asking prices on the islands of Thasos, Ikaria, Skopelos and Patmos showed the biggest drop, falling 9.2 percent (1,309 euros/sq.m), 7.1 percent (1,300 euros/sq. m), 5.6 percent (1,062 euros/sq.m ) and 5.2 percent (3,359.7 euros/sq. m) respectively.

Next come Leros, Lesvos and Kea where asking prices dipped by 3.4 percent, 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent.

Demand solid demand for a holiday home in Greece, market experts warn that a recent property tax hike in the country may weigh on demand.

In June, the Finance Ministry announced an increase in the ENFIA property tax bill paid by property owners on popular islands, such as Mykonos and Rhodes.

The tax value of some homes on Mykonos, for example, jumped to 3,800 euros per square meter, from 1,200 euros. Sharp increases also appear in districts on the islands of Rhodes, Kos, and Kefalonia. The changes will take effect as of January.

This article was first published here. 

For more Real Estate News & Views on Greece and Europe’s South, head to The Greek Guru.

*Image courtesy of Serifos Houses