Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos

Sikelianos Villa, set in the seaside town of Xylokastro, was once home to famous Greek poet Angelos Sikelianos.

Having been declared a historical monument of Greece, by former Minister of Culture Melina Mercouri, the stunning residence recently received an immaculate renovation that blends harmoniously its grandeur with contemporary design. The unique Greek holiday villa now offers guests a secluded stay with 360-degree views of the Corinthian Gulf and the lush pine forest of Pefkias.

Located only an hour and fifteen minutes away from the centre of Athens, this expansive property is one of the most beautiful seafront escapes closest to the Greek capital. Plus the perfect base to explore many ancient historic wonders of Greece- with Mykines village only one hour drive from the villa; it’s just two hours from Ancient Olympia and Delphi.

  • Insights Greece - Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos
  • Insights Greece - Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos

Sikelianos is the perfect stay for guests in search of a private and bespoke getaway; and here you can enjoy breakfast on your own terrace or inside the nearby resort’s beautiful gardens. Along with the dreamy landscape comes a private beach, a pool, delightful dining choices, a spa and a wellness centre, which are all connected to the villa’s resort. 

The idyllic Venetian Villa was built by the famous poet Angelos Sikelianos himself, and his American wife Eva Palmer, on their return to Greece in 1912. It’s hosted countless celebrations dedicated to art and poetry while having welcomed numerous intellects of the 20th century up to the mid-1930s; including famous Greek artists such as Palamas, Kazantzakis and Karyotakis who were very close to the couple.

  • Insights Greece - Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos
  • Insights Greece - Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos

The construction of the villa began in 1912 and ended in 1916. It was the couple’s first architectural attempt, and the estate combines a variety of designs from different eras, including columns that draw inspiration from Classical Greece, windows from the Byzantine era; while all terraces have strong Venetian influences.

The 50 square metre private property consists of a master bedroom with a king-size bed, ensuite, a very spacious bathroom, a living room and a dining area. Each room has a fireplace carved ornately from stone, as well as large, tall windows overlooking the estate’s lush, fragrant gardens. From its three fully furnished terraces, guests can enjoy the sea view and the evergreen pine forest.

  • Insights Greece - Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos
  • Insights Greece - Immaculately Restored Villa of Famous Greek Poet Sikelianos

Right at the heart of the villa’s charming gardens guests can enjoy a late lunch or dinner at the delightful restaurant that features authentic Italian cuisine and a fairytale ambience. The outdoor dining experience under the moonlight that blends harmoniously with the timeless elegance of the candle-lit terraced villa- is a perfect way to end your evening here. 

About Angelos Sikelianos 

Angelos Sikelianos was a Greek lyric poet and playwright. Born in March 1884 on the island of Lefkada where he spent his childhood, in 1900 Angelos registered with the Athens Law School but never graduated. In the course of the following years, he travelled extensively and devoted himself to poetry. Critics claim Sikelianos’ finer lyrics are among the best in Western literature. His poems are inspired by Greek history, religious symbolism as well as universal harmony. From 1946 until 1951, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature.

A: Sikelianou, Sikia, Xylokastro

Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes

Designed and built in the 1960s and set in Kardamyli, a charming seaside town in the Peloponnese, the Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor House is considered one of Greece’s most beautiful properties. 

Sir Patrick Leigh Fermor, was born in London in 1915 and passed away in 2011; he was a well-known author, scholar, and war hero, who is also celebrated as one of the finest travel writers of his generation. As a member of the British Military Mission to Greece, he played a prominent role in the Cretan resistance during the Second World War. A true Philehellene; Sir Fermor was a great admirer and lover of Greece and spent a long time looking for the perfect spot along the Aegean Sea to build his dream home. 

  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes
  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes

In the 1960s Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan chose to spend the rest of their lives in the Peloponnese. It was here in the olive-tree-filled countryside that Fermor ended up building a charming stone house with the assistance of his architect friend, Nikos Hatzimichalis. 

Design and Layout 

Boasting an authentic charm, the villa features traditional white-washed walls, exposed stone, and pebbled floors. Outside you will find a massive Mediterranean garden of cypress and olive trees, as well as wildflowers. The property also features a pool and a private stretch of beach.

The Main House comes with three suites, the writer’s studio right next to it, which is formed into the Traditional House, as well as the Guest House, adjacent to the Main House. 

  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes
  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes
  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes

Staying at the Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor House

This historical house can be rented as a whole villa, encompassing the Main House, Traditional House, and Guest House, to accommodate parties of up to ten people. It can also be rented as individual self-contained suites, the Traditional House and Guest House, each sleeping up to two people, and the Main House, sleeping up to six people.

  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes
  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes
  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes

Donated to the Benaki Museum 

In 1996, the couple donated their house to the Benaki Museum, with the Museum’s mission being the couple’s expressed desire that the house will remain open to the public and host writers and researchers. The restoration works at the building and the landscape surroundings were completed so that the original character of the property is meticulously preserved. Aria Hotels, in collaboration with the Benaki Museum, have undertaken operation of the property during the three-month rental period with particular sensitivity to its unique legacy, offering guests a rare residential experience of authentic Greek hospitality.

  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes
  • Insights Greece - Inside One of Greece’s Most Beautiful Homes

What’s nearby

While staying here, guests can visit the Tower of Mourtzinos, in the historic village of Old Kardamyli. Close by are charming cafes, the church of Agios Spiridon, which dates from Byzantium, and the historical Museum of Greek Culture. There are also plenty of beaches to choose from including Ritsa, Chalikias, Salio, Dolphins, Kalamitsi, Foneas, and Neo Proastio. 

For more details about visiting, head to ariahotels.

Timeless Villas in the Heart of Tinos

Right in the heart of the traditional mountain village of Triantaros, on the beautiful island of Tinos, you will find a luxury housing complex that overlooks the Aegean Sea.

Consisting of seven timeless villas designed by well-known Greek architectural firm Kordas Architects, Triantaros Villas feature a contemporary twist to the long-lasting traditional Cycladic architecture, with direct reference to the loci of Tinos, both in architecture and interior design.

Insights Greece - Timeless Villas in the Heart of Tinos

The “easy living” spaces of the interiors are simple, timeless, and elegant and consist of living spaces from 125 sqm to 180 sqm; they also include terraces and balconies that feature rustic-chic wooden pergolas and gardens. There is also the option of a pool, available with Villa Estia.

Each villa has been built with high-quality standards using high-end materials- including the latest thermal insulation, premium Italian floor tiles- and they offer exclusive features such as underfloor heating for the cooler months. 

The prime location is home to the south-facing complex that basks in the steep topography on the west entrance of Triantaros, beneath the village road, the church, and the traditional Village Taverna.

Designed and built with the spirit of traditional Cycladic village architecture, each villa has spectacular, unobstructed views of the Aegean Sea and some of the other Cycladic Islands nearby, as well as of the neighbouring village Berdemiaros.

Natural stone walkways enclosed by natural stone walls give access to all villas, terraces, and gardens, where you can sit back and capture the spectacular sunrise and sunset each day.  

A spacious parking and garden area (approximately 850 sqm) is placed directly on the west side  of the villas (accessible via a small bridge). Up to two parking spaces per Villa are available.

The villas also feature luxury fitted modern kitchens, generous living and dining areas, an open fireplace, brick-built sofas, and plenty of storage space. The living areas are entirely laid out with high-quality tiles and with three already sold, there are four currently on the market. 

Tinos 

Tinos is the third largest island in the Cyclades, easily accessible by ferry from the port of Rafina in Athens; it’s also a short boat ride from Mykonos island. With its 40 architecturally traditional villages and countless wonderful beaches, Tinos is an authentic island and known as one of the most spiritual islands in all of Greece. The stunning island is also filled with plenty of traditional taverns and shops that serve local delicacies and dishes.