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The Admiral’s House is steeped in the history of the island. The present owner’s great-great-great grandfather had a fleet of merchant ships that travelled the world equipped with cannons to ward off pirates. These ships were later converted into war ships and he became an Admiral in the Greek War of Independence waged against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 – 1830. Although the people of Spetses had had to pay taxes to the Ottomans, the island had never been occupied and over the years the people of Spetses had become very affluent. Their victory over the Ottomans is celebrated every September with the Armata Festival culminating in a huge fire-work display over the bay.
The house dates back to the 1830’s and is in a prime position right on the seashore with the jetty of Kounoupitsa just round the corner. An unassuming doorway from the street leads into a secluded courtyard garden filled with trees that give privacy to the property. The pebble mosaic designs on the ground are typical of many of the Spetsiot houses. Wide stone steps lead up to the main entrance of the house.
Inside, many of the original features of the house have been maintained with an artistic eye for detail including the original ceiling frescoes, the floors, the original cistern in the kitchen, and in the furnishings – the Admiral and his family were inspired by their travels in the Mediterranean particularly in Venice and some of the original furnishings were imported from Italy, France and Russia.
There is a very spacious central living room with dining area and large French windows with such elegant furnishings that immediately transport you back to another era. From the wrought-iron balconies you feel as if you could almost touch the sea. This is a perfect place to enjoy the lovely sea views and sea breeze, and perhaps to do a little people-watching on the street below.
There are four bedrooms - 2 bedrooms with double beds and 2 bedrooms with 2 single beds each (please note that one of the bedrooms with single beds photographed will be changed for the 2020 season to a bedroom with king-size bed). All rooms are very light, with high ceilings, ceiling fans and featuring original furniture. The kitchen still retains its traditional character but has been modernised for practical purposes. Further down the hall, two bathrooms rather like a ship’s ‘heads’ are found side by side - each with WC, sink and simple hand-held showers.
The villa has washing machine, dishwasher, WIFI, TV, DVD, iron and music system that can be connected via an iPhone 5. Instead of air-conditioning there are ceiling fans and the house remains surprisingly cool throughout the summer due to its high ceilings, large open rooms and proximity to the sea.
Outside the courtyard garden is surprisingly large and there is an outdoor dining area for 8-10 guests shaded by the trees and a large umbrella. There is also a barbecue.
One of the great assets of the house is its location. Guests can arrive by water taxi into Kounoupitsa jetty which is just a few metres from the house. There are a number of a cafes, shops and restaurants as well as two lovely tavernas with tables and chairs on the beach so diners can eat delicious local fare with the sea cooling their toes! The main town of Dapia is a short walk or cycle up the road. Continuing along, you reach the Old Harbour with its array of excellent tavernas and restaurants.
This property is perfect for anyone who appreciates history and is not so bothered by modern luxuries, and would love to experience a house that has been deliberately and artistically preserved as close to its original state as possible.