Maison L’Archipel

Overview

This house provides a unique occasion to live in a private property that combines luxury, privacy, and authenticity. Architecturally the house has a unique neoclassical style that follows the form of the older house that suffered serious damage during the earthquake of 1956. Domes, arches, thick walls and vaulted roofs compose the distinguished geometry and form of the building. It is decorated with elegance and modern style, with some antique furniture of the older house and a significant collection of authentic gravures representing different aspects and old maps of the island of Santorini offer a finishing touch. In addition, some contemporary paintings vary within the collection.

Accommodations

The whole complex provides privacy and autonomy to each of the three adjacent residents while communicating through the outdoor terraces. It is perfectly suitable for a group of friends (up to ten persons plus two extra persons upon request), for special events like weddings or for a big family reunion. All properties are equipped with ecological mattresses and depending on the position of the room, with A/C or ceiling fans or/and solar chimneys (natural cooling system through air flows from the ceiling). The temperature indoors in all places of the property is reported as comfortable, even without the use of mechanical cooling systems support. Natural “respiring” lime colors are used to paint the walls indoors and outdoors, while all wooden doors and window frames are painted with ecological paints. Most of the floors are covered with polished cement, following the old traditional techniques of the local craftsmen.

Main House

The main house consists of three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a guest WC, the kitchen, a living, and a dining room.

The master bedroom suite is on the ground floor. It offers a queen-size bed and en-suite bathroom with a cyclical bathtub made out of off-white polished cement, combined with sky-blue plaster on the walls. The bedroom has a vaulted ceiling with a fan and a solar chimney. The second bedroom is on the ground floor with a high ceiling and has a queen-size bed that can separate in twins, wardrobe and en-suite bathroom with shower. It is ventilated with ceiling fan and a solar chimney. On the upper floor is situated a third bedroom, with an undisturbed view towards the volcano, with queen size bed (can separate in twins). This bedroom has a superb air conditioning system.

Ground Floor

On the ground floor area, you can find a fully equipped kitchen. The kitchen’s bench is made with the same technique of pressed cement. Connected with the kitchen is the dining room, with its splendid cross-vaulted high ceiling, with a wooden table and chairs of medieval Spanish style, an old gold plated mirror and an original Venetian chandelier.

Next to the dining area is a stylish and comfortable living area with its splendid cross-vaulted high ceiling, provided with a marble fireplace and a unique view towards the city, the Caldera bay and the impressive volcano. From the living and dining area, you can exit to the large terraces and outdoor dining areas of the property. Actually, the villa boasts generous outdoor space: it has spacious lounge areas and two dining areas so as one can easily say that you can lie and enjoy outdoors the whole day long.

Guest Studio (Thyme Studio)

The guest studio (the “thyme” studio) is connected with the house terraces and has its own private entrance. It lies on the same level as the main house with its own veranda. It can accommodate two persons in two single or a double bed (the beds are arranged according to need). It is air-conditioned, has a small bathroom with a shower and supplied with a kitchenette.

Outdoor Features

Life in Greece -especially to the Aegean islands- is particularly appropriate for outdoor living. Built-in benches with comfortable sofas around wooden tables, with its cool and all-time classic “Kafeneion” chairs –all paint in earthy colors, the relaxing chaises-lounge made of teak wood, lying to the front terrace, the open-air shaded areas by either cross-vaults, pergolas or sun umbrellas, and the big outdoor cement table (made of polished cement, where up to ten people can dine in comfort), provide the property with a variety of outdoor possibilities for every time of the day. The whole place is surrounded by islets of gardens, planted with a variety of endemic plant species: pomegranate tree, oleanders, hibiscus and bougainvilleas along with a fan of aromatic plants, such as basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, lavender, and mint.