The Villa

An old stone House on the beautiful island of Symi, Greece, an hour by boat from the major tourist and charter flight destination of Rodos, yet remote from mass tourism.  Perched in the Upper Town of Chorio, the House had suffered from abandonment and wartime damage.  It was restored and adapted to modern living by its architect owner who retained and enhanced some of the soaring open plan and exposed stone features of the original in combination with contemporary rendition of traditional detailing.

The Villa and the nearby Archaeological and Folklore Museum are reached via a 100 meter stone-paved lane from taxi or bus drop-off.  The greater and quieter part of the town of Symi is accessed from such lanes and stone steps.  Conversely, the length and width of the island and its many hiking takeoff points can be reached by vehicle or by water taxi to its mostly secluded beaches, where cars and motorcycles are mercifully absent.  Temperatures in winter rarely fall below the teens and in the summer can reach into the 40's.  In the summer Symi hosts an increasingly multicultural and sophisticated festival.