An Artist's Home in a Medieval Castle Overlooking Nisyros
This vacation home rental in Greece stands high above all the activity on the island of Nisyros. Located inside an ancient ruined castle, it's been given a modern minimalist makeover, and is a haven for artists, including its owner Greg Haji Joannides.
Located in a medieval castle overlooking the island of Nisyros, this property is a traditional two-story house that dates back to the 17th century. Unfortunately, in 1933, an earthquake caused devastating damage, and painstaking work was done to restore it to its former structure. It was designed by its owner and constructed by architect Giorgis Tsironis in 2014.
What stands now is a traditional home with a modern infrastructure and minimalist aesthetics. It strikes a cool balance between monastic purity and metropolitan chic, with striking whitewashed stone interiors, strong lines, simple modern furnishings, cool curves and lots of light.
What we love
This is an opportunity to live in a real artist's home on a small volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. (According to Greek mythology, the island was formed when Poseidon cut off a part of the neighboring island of Kos and threw it at the giant Polybotes.) The home itself is located inside a medieval castle and accessed via large stone steps, making it a characterful and unique location for adventurous travelers.
Layout
The ground floor is an open space with kitchenette, living room and working space.
The first floor has two large bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The house also has an outdoor living space with a dining table, as well as a rooftop lounge area, offering views of the island's volcano, Asia Minor and the other Dodecanese islands.
Good to know
The home has a kitchenette with a single electric burner, toaster, kettle, coffee maker and mini fridge (with small freezer section), but no stove/oven. It is accessed via large stone steps, and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Water is potable, but purchasing filtered/bottled water is recommended.
Amenities
Wifi, bluetooth speaker, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, laundry service, and car parking 100m from the house. Fine Belgian linens, Turkish hamam towels, beach towels, Apivita Greek Natural cosmetics, and hairdryer. Massage and yoga sessions available upon request. Meals at home can be organised with a local cook. Grocery shopping delivery upon request.
The house has a contemporary art residency program, and plans for a gallery and art space are underway.
Around
The property is located on the small island of Nisyros, which is part of the Dodecanese group of islands, in the southeastern Aegean Sea, situated south of Kos. The island has a population of 1,000, which swells slightly in the summer months - but this is not an overly touristy island. In fact, it calls itself a quiet paradise - with a small village atmosphere, small roads and great views.
Things to do include exploring the volcanic crater and watching the boiling holes. There's a volcanological museum in Nikia, at the edge of the caldera, an acropolis at Paleokastro, the monastery of Panagia Spiliani built in a cave at the top of a hill northwest of the capital Mandraki, and thermal spas at Loutra. There are many great beaches, and excursions to the surrounding islands like Gyali are recommended.
There are lots of trails full of native vegetation near the property.
Location
Nisyros, Greece. Nearest airport: Kos International airport. Visitors can reach the island by plane from Athens to Kos (daily flights) and then by boat, either one hour from Kardamaina or a two hours from Kos’ main port.
Best time to visit
May to September
