Mansion Kyani

A Mansion Reflects the Boom Days of Wine Trade

At the beginning of the last century, Santorini wines – minerally, marine, sweet – were in high demand by Russia and France. Viticulture is still strong here, and architectural remnants are sprinkled throughout the villages that benefitted. The village of Megalochori is a paragon of this era, replete with cubic, white forms, blue-capped and scaling the cliffs.

Zoom in further, and you’ll discover Mansion Kyani, in the heart of Megalochori. Once belonging to an aristocratic family, Kyani was aptly traditional: with a main house, large courtyard and a canava (wine cellar).

Mansion Kyani has been completely restored to the height of its golden age, rebuilt by local craftsmen who used the volcanic pumice stone that already existed in the house’s ruins. One area of the villa, destroyed in an earthquake, was even transformed into an atmospheric infinity pool and garden area. The renovation included a feng shui consultation, ensuring that each room is in total balance and harmony. 

Today, the volcanic rock exterior of Mansion Kyani is in constant glow. Especially come nightfall, when the special LED lighting softens the crisp architectural lines of the mansion and pool, and you are immersed in total serenity.

This hilltop villa in Santorini overlooks the vineyards and quaint village of Megalochori, with the sparkling Aegean in the distance. Enter into the expansive courtyard, hand-laid by local craftsmen in the traditional “Plakoto” cobblestone-paved style, and notice that this mansion affords three separate living areas, two on the ground floor and one on the first, connected by an exterior stone staircase.​

Upon entrance through the barn door on the ground floor, you’ll reach the kitchenette. Original archways lead through into the domed master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, large tub and separate shower. Returning to the courtyard, another set of original wooden doors lead into the spacious second double bedroom, with a comfortable second bathroom.

The first floor of this luxury villa has original wood floors and many windows that let in the abundant Cycladic air and light. It is also where you’ll find another kitchenette leading onto an expansive large terrace, perfect for outside dining. A third bedroom on this floor boasts two views: one overlooking the vineyards, another the sea. The same views are enjoyed from the dining room, with seating for six, and on this floor is one more spacious bathroom with a large tub. 

Combined, this private villa can host up to six guests.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Air Conditioning in all Bedrooms and Living Room, Complimentary WiFi Internet Access (VDSL 50mbps), Pool Loungers and Umbrella on the Sun Deck, Comfortable Furniture in the Courtyard, Alfresco Dining Room Table on Terrace, Indoor Dining Room Seating for 6 on the Top Floor, Complimentary Mobile Telephone with Prepaid Card, Kitchen With Oven, Fridge, Filter & Espresso Coffee Maker, Kettle, Toaster, Cutlery, Crockery, Pots and Pans, Bed Linens, Towels, Pool Towels, Bathrobes and Slippers Provided, KORRES Natural Toiletries, Flat Screen TV/ SAT/ Media player in Living Room, SONOS Audio System i-Pod with Docking Station Safe Box

Services Available: Included in the Rate, Housekeeping, Concierge, Grocery shopping & delivery, All on Request. Also on Request at additional cost are private car transfers or car rental, Private Masseuse, Private Tour Guide and Boat Charters, Private Chef or Cook Service .

AROUND

The village of Megalochori shows you the quieter side of Santorini, and is known for its car-free cobblestone streets, its Venetian bell towers and charming square filled with fantastic restaurants.

Megalochori’s past was ruled by the merchants and feudal landlords that exported the unique Vinsanto wine, famed in the region. The demand was strong with Odessa in Russia, and the remnants of this time are evident in the many Russian church bells, still tolling in the village today. The tradition with wine continues today – see if you can detect the notes of smoke and minerals from the volcanic soil.

Megalochori has also a dramatic, unspoiled caldera (a basin linked to the myth of Atlantis). There are no buildings here, and it’s perfect for hiking with magnificent vistas of the famous volcano and sunset.Outside the village, some of Santorini’s best beaches are only minutes’ drive away, and 6 km away is the island’s capital of Fira, with its old port Ormos and celebrated nightlife culture.

LOCATION

Santorini, Cyclades, Greece, Nearest Airport: Santorini Airport (5km)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: From May to October, for the best weather. From September-October and April-May, there are fewer tourists.