Naousa Villa

A Childhood Home Revisited and Reborn

This traditional island home, brought up to date by an architect and furniture designer duo from Paris, is a reflection of the Greek island on which it is located – laid-back and elegant. It sits in a quiet part of Naousa village, among Mediterranean gardens, and within walking distance of restaurants and beaches. 

Interiors are a tasteful nod to tradition with stylish modern updates, while exteriors are a world in themselves. A great rooftop living space offers views across the bay to the silhouettes of Mykonos, Syros and the other Cycladic Islands, and a sleek, contemporary saltwater pool is perfectly seductive.

We have a soft spot for homes with stories, and this villa for rent in Greece has a sweet one. This was the house that the owner's parents stayed in for years when they visited Paros. When it came up for sale, its new owners expanded the footprint of the home by adding an extra floor, allowing for dramatic views across the bay. 

Local zoning restrictions meant that most of the updates were made to the interior, where they added a curvaceous white fireplace, pivoting oak doors, dramatic staircases, and striking Greek marble washbasins, combining traditional rough-hewn Cycladic forms like wood beams and large flagstone floors with contemporary décor. Design inspiration checks all the right boxes: Scandinavian, Japanese, California modernism, Art Deco, and Arts & Crafts. 

The house has three en-suite bedrooms, sleeping up to seven guests, making it ideal for groups and families, although it isn't suitable for very young children. There are two bedrooms on the lower level, one of which is split level. The third bedroom is on the upper level, reached by sculptural stairs. All have access to their own terraces, meaning guests can have a little privacy, if needed.

The kitchen is also upstairs and leads to a shaded outdoor dining terrace, with a kitchenette and additional lounge space. It boasts the best views in the house, making it perfect for late afternoon siestas and sunset cocktails.

The surrounding garden was crafted with the help of a French landscape designer who placed Mediterranean plants, herbs and citrus trees that will expand to fill the space as the years go by. But it's the gorgeous saltwater pool, with its built-in benches and shelves, that takes centerstage.

Guests receive a welcome package on arrival that includes produce from the island, a private chef can be provided on request at additional cost, and there is 24-hour concierge service for restaurant bookings and excursions.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Greece is located in Naousa, a charming seaside village on the island of Paros, about 20 minutes from Parikia and 30 minutes from the airport. The village is pedestrianized, and within walking distance, you'll find several beaches, a natural rock pool, Naousa's Venetian castle, the old port, as well as great restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and even wine caves. 

However, the owners of this villa for rent in Greece recommend renting a car to explore the island. Within 10 minutes of the house are some of the best beaches on the island, including Kolymbithres, Santa Maria, and Lageri, which can also be reached by fishing boat in high season. The island also has an abundance of little villages that are full of character, restaurants and cafes.

Ask about wine tasting, cooking classes, spa treatments, yoga classes, golf, boat trips and water sports (kite surfing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet-skiing, to name a few). For hikers, there are plenty of trails that often lead to secluded beaches and hidden coves, perfect for cooling off.

From June to October, there is a festival program at the Archilocus outdoor theatre with concerts, opera performances, ballet shows, and movies. There are easy ferry connections to the other islands nearby, with Mykonos just 30 minutes by boat.

LOCATION

Naousa, Paros, Greece. Nearest airport: Paros National (20km, 30 mins by car). Airport transfer is available on request. Parikia port passenger terminal is 11km, or 15 mins by car.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: May/June and September/October for comfortable weather, peace and quiet; July and August for a livelier feel; November to March for complete silence.