Maison Kamari, a villa rental in Paros, Greece

A Modern Cycladic Creation above the Aegean in Paros

Strip away all distractions and drink in island life from this holiday home in Greece. Designed by Paros- and Athens-based firm React Architects, the designers responded to the site with a modern Cycladic creation that departs from the rounded angles of tradition, aligning architecture and enviroment, using nature as a guiding principle of design.

Placed above the Aegean with spectacular views of the sea, the curvature of the island, and Antiparos in the distance, the home gently yields to the site's rugged terrain, with whitewashed monolithic forms and pure, simple lines.

Working closely with the architects in the concept and design, the owners who hail from the arts and media world, conceived of the home as a place of simplicity, creative expression, conviviality and intimacy, where nature plays a starring role.

Sourcing and curating a hand-picked selection of smart mid-century pieces from flea markets and their favorite shops in Paris, Athens and Paros, the house is a mix of minimalist, Bohemian-chic style and timeless island beauty.

Constructed in whitewashed cubic forms, the house is positioned in an amphitheatrical angle to capture spectacular views of the island, the Aegean and Antiparos island in the distance. Surrounded by vast swaths of land, the home is very private and separated from any neighbors.

The interiors are calm and welcoming with a pared-down aesthetic and a cool neutral palette, with an expansive open plan living, dining and chef's kitchen forming the convivial center.

Designed to provide each guest with ample privacy, the two en suite bedrooms are set apart from each other and there is an additional guest house with room for up to six guests total.

The vast terrace encompasses the pool with loungers and centennial olive trees and an alfresco dining area. Head up the side stairs to the amazing rooftop terrace for panoramic views of the mountains, the sea and star gazing.

Around

One of the largest islands of the Aegean Sea in the Cyclades chain, Paros is situated between Naxos and Antiparos. The capital of Parikia or Paros Town is located in a picturesque bay with a beautiful natural harbor and traditional Cycladic settlements dating back to the 13th century.

Known for its lively nightlife, it's built like an amphitheater around the port, with narrow cobbled paths, beautiful old churches, small shops and blue and white houses – as well as a trademark whitewashed windmill. A 13th-century castle, built from the remains of an ancient temple, sits at the highest part of the town while cafes and restaurants line the waterfront.

The Kamari settlement where the villa is located is in the southernmost part of the island in the countryside above the sea.

The white sandy Faragas Bay and beaches and the village of Aliki are within a ten-minute drive south, with crystal clear waters and laid-back, beachside tavernas.

Other sights nearby include the ruins of Asclepieion, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Temple of Eileithyia, and the Temple of Zeus Ypato, while the pretty northern coastal village of Naoussa and the central village of Elm are within a thirty-minute drive.