Villa Mariana

DECA Architecture Studio Creates Artistry in Harmony with Nature

Tapping into its rugged environment, this holiday home in Greece amplifies and engages the senses through immersive design in dialogue with nature. Designed by Athens-based firm DECA Architecture Studio, the villa's earthy materials, unusual silhouette, and drop-dead gorgeous views together create architectural and landscape artistry.

Placed on a bluff and fully integrated into the terrain, the home seems to emerge directly from the earth and flows out towards the sea. Composed in concrete, stone, wood, and glass, the building's dramatic scale and composition lends it a firm sense of belonging.

Decor and furnishings are quiet and minimal with pieces that always refer back to the island's natural elements and were designed by DECADA Muebles.

The main living spaces face the sea through large expanses of glass allowing ample natural light in while minimizing the island heat with passive placement. The kitchen opens out to the terraces and additional outdoor dining space and there are two indoor sitting rooms.

An ideal space for large groups, there are five ensuite bedrooms with a bunkroom for kids and space for up to 14 guests. The arid gardens are terraced into separate outdoor living areas with a large shaded lounge and separate dining area that face the sea, a pool, and a barrel sauna placed at the edge of the bluff.

Created to celebrate the beauty of the Cyclades, this villa harnesses the space, light, and environment to great effect.

Around

Reachable only by ferry from neighboring Santorini, Folegandros on the southern edge of the Cyclades, is largely free of the tourist hordes and resorts with the entry point through the little harbor town of Karavostasis, on the east coast. Its rugged windswept beauty and remote location make for a great alternative to the more boisterous and populated islands in the chain. The main medieval town of Hora commands an extraordinary spot along the cliffs with its castle fortress dating to the 13th century.

Closed to all motorized traffic, it's an authentic slice of life with great cafes and tightly knit tree-lined squares. The rural village of Ana Meria is the only other settlement on the island and there are several quiet beaches most of which require a bit of a hike making them well worth it. Just a few minutes walk from the beautiful Agios Georgios and within a short drive of Ambeli Beach, Vathi Bay, Angali, and Agios Nikolaos below the clifftops of Hora's northern road with breathtaking views on your way down.

Location

Folegandros, Greece. Nearest airport: Santorini regional airport with ferry connections to Folegandros

Best time to visit

Spring through fall