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Joyful use of colour, exquisite stone-work and laid-back luxury give a heightened sense of well-being at this glorious stone property set in a verdant Grecian landscape.
Villa Lydus has been fully refurbished with artistic integrity to an exceptionally high standard. Composed of three stone buildings with three master bedrooms and additional space for extra guests, this 200 year old country house has been transformed into an elegant contemporary residence with edgy design and a strong sense of its roots by award-winning architect Elina Loukou (Greek Architects' Awards 2022 for a first completed project by a young architect).
The main house is large, bright and airy with a fully equipped kitchen and elegant living room with gorgeous views over the surrounding countryside. The first bedroom is situated within a private area featuring a king-size double bed and a magnificent marble bathroom.
The original ‘smoke-house’ overlooking the pool has a vaulted stone-ceiling bedroom with king-size bed. The adjoining bathroom - serene and beautiful - features a large bathtub as well as shower.
The third wing with its curvaceous walls, exquisite stone work and dramatic use of space is a masterpiece of design. A long dining area, elegant and contemporary, has been hewn out of an enormous piece of ancient rock. At the far end is the living area with glimpses of the pool beyond. A fully equipped second kitchen is also found on this level. A contemporary-style spiral staircase leads to a dreamy loft bedroom with king-size bed and impressive bathroom.
Two extra guests can be accommodated in the third wing living room, and a further two guests in the main house living room on couches that lock together to create comfortable single divan beds.
Outside, stone steps and winding little pathways link up the various tiered levels of patios and terraces that are enfolded in the surrounding abundance of nature. There are many places to sit and relax, and to simply enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas of a genuine Greek setting. Every outdoor space has splashes of gorgeous colour in the furnishings giving a contemporary vibrancy to this ancient of settings.
The pool terrace is nestled into the surrounding age-old olive trees and oaks with very comfortable sun loungers and umbrellas. Steps lead up to the main outdoor dining area for 10, and there is also an outdoor kitchen making it a perfect space for summer entertaining. Being naturally well protected from strong summer winds, guests can enjoy calm mornings, peaceful afternoons and starry nights.
The property has air-conditioning, WIFI and daily housekeeping if required.Whilst children are very welcome, due to the many terraced levels children should be supervised at all times. Since this is a house within a traditional village setting, guests should be aware that it is a 5 minute walk from the parking area to the house via a footpath - there is always someone to help with the luggage on the first and last days - and there are a number of steps.
The island of Andros is one of the hidden secrets of Greece. It is a verdant island with streams, rivers, forests and gently rolling hills. For many years it has been the second home of Greece’s shipping elite who avoided development for mass tourism. The main town of the island - Chora - with its Neo-Classical mansions and marble streets has elegant cafes, excellent restaurants and interesting boutique shops. It also houses one of the most important modern art galleries of Greece. The island has beaches of every kind for guests to enjoy - whether organised or left wild, and some accessible only by boat. It is also an island with a myriad of mule-paths, traditional hillside villages, monasteries and mountains making it one of Greece’s best islands for walking and hiking.
The property itself is situated in the traditional village of Livadia which lies in the foothills just above Chora - a 15 min walk via a pathway leads you into town. The local beach is also accessible on foot within approx 15 mins where there is also an excellent traditional taverna.
The property would suit an extended family or group of friends who love to entertain, to rest and relax in beautiful surroundings and to experience the simple pleasures of Greek summer living.