Staying in a Renovated Windmill on the Island of Kea

A beautifully renovated windmill on the lesser-known Cycladic island of Kea is the ideal place to stay if you are looking for a unique and authentic experience in Greece. 

This wonderfully renovated windmill villa stands in the area of Koundouros, in an elevated position that boasts unobstructed views of the sparkling blue sea and surrounding countryside, which at sunset is magical.

A five-minute walk takes guests to a pebble beach just below the villa, while just a short drive away you can enjoy wonderful beaches with umbrellas, sun loungers, water sports, food, and drinks, including the sandy beaches of Koundouros (ideal for families) and delightful Koundouraki. There are also a number of charming villages in the area, such as Pisses, with its lovely sandy bay, mini-market, and a traditional taverna serving authentic local dishes.

Insights Greece - Staying in a Renovated Windmill on the Island of Kea

Built on a private plot, the Mill on the Hill featured the impressive old windmill itself, lovingly restored to provide all modern comforts, along with three independent guest houses. 

The windmill is laid out over three main levels, plus a recently built extension at ground level to accommodate the air-conditioned TV room and a fully equipped kitchen. On the ground floor, there is also a cozy living room with a fireplace and storage space.

The first floor features one double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom. There is another double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom on the second floor, which connects with the air-conditioned attic that has two single beds; ideal for children. 

Right next to the windmill are the guest houses. The first has a double bedroom, air-conditioning, en-suite bathroom, and veranda access. The second has two double beds, an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning and opens onto a pergola-shaded veranda. Situated just behind and slightly above the first two, the third guest house has a double bed and sofa bed, air-conditioning, and an en-suite bathroom. The guest houses have spacious outdoor areas for outdoor dining or relaxation and, like the bedrooms in the windmill, you can enjoy majestic sea views. 

The natural slope of the hillside means the private land surrounding the property is on different levels, offering guests a variety of choices for outdoor activities and socialising. At the lowest level, there is a large, private, seawater swimming pool with loungers; the ideal spot for soaking up the sun and a refreshing dip at any time of day.

Step Inside an Alluring Luxury Villa in Syros

This luxury villa in Syros gracefully blends modern living with the earthy and timeless characteristics of the Greek islands. Featuring natural handcrafted materials, serene neutral colours, and a simple design concept, the result is a luxurious sense of comfort and style.

Owners Ilektra and Giorgios have added a poolside jacuzzi, a cinema under the stars, a secluded cave, and a vegetable garden to Villa Syros.

“Our house is both a little design project and a very practical and spacious family home,” says Ilektra.  

Insights Greece - Step Inside an Alluring Luxury Villa in Syros

Situated on a secluded hill on this beautiful Cycladic island, this place is the perfect spot for a relaxing holiday with family and friends. The villa boasts five bedrooms and offers a stunning view of the Aegean Sea and the Cycladic islands, with its modern yet welcoming design and an infinity pool with sun terraces- that will tempt you to spend the entire day catching the sun.

Surrounded by olive trees and several herbs including lavender, rosemary, thyme, and oregano, here you can totally relax and take in the natural surroundings. When you step inside the house you immediately feel as though you are entering a home away from home. The modern design, the raw materials, and the stone-washed fabrics offer a sense of style and coziness. 

Insights Greece - Step Inside an Alluring Luxury Villa in Syros

The villa features several common areas including a living room with a chic open kitchen, an infinity pool with an adjacent jacuzzi, a BBQ and lounge areas as well as several sundecks.

Touches of traditional Cycladic architecture are highlighted throughout the entire home and blend perfectly into the landscape. While the airy interior design includes traditional handcraft pieces based on chosen natural materials and high-quality fabrics with minimal design. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as a central under-floor cooling/heating system in all rooms, automatically controlled humidity regulation, and a geothermal heat pump. 

Insights Greece - Step Inside an Alluring Luxury Villa in Syros

The villa was built using locally sourced natural materials with two main objectives: to provide an extraordinary experience to its guests and to give the feeling of being ecologically in tune with the natural surroundings of the Kokkina mountain.

The earthy and warm wood and stone materials give it a very comfortable and cozy feel – and each piece of furniture has been carefully hand-picked to ensure guests find plenty of spots to unwind and destress. 

It’s the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway, families that wish to spend quality time together, and friends wanting to gather at the same place to celebrate a special occasion.