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Sterna Turret
Emporios, Nisyros, Greece
Sterna Turret
Emporios, Nisyros, Greece
A Castle in the Sky
This unique little turret sits on a hill overlooking the island of Nisyros in Greece. Located inside the ruins of 17th-century Pantoniki castle, which was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1933, it has been brought back to life with great care and imagination.
This and adjacent buildings were painstakingly restored by architect Giorgos Tsironis and their owner, artist Greg Haji Joannides, using photographic archives and observations from archeological excavations.
Joannides is founder and creative director of the Sterna Art Project, an art residency and exhibition program that has been running on the island since 2014. He is also creative director of activist platform NISYRIO that focuses on recycling plastic on the island through sociocultural activities. He brings his passion for art and upcycling to this home, which has been given a cool minimalist makeover and filled with unsual art.
Like the Turret itself, much of the interior design is recycled, using old and used furniture and objects to create contemporary objects - such as plastic chairs by Greek artist EmKei.
The design of the home is based on a 'white cube' exhibition space, with an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living. The internal courtyard works as an indoor-outdoor kitchen-dining room, a living room that opens onto a small veranda overlooking the neighboring islands. Meanwhile, a few steps down, there is another terrace with a lounge area. On the upper floor, the balcony overlooking the volcanic crater leads to the bedroom with the traditional bed (moni) and the bathroom.
For larger groups, this creative vacation home for rent in Nisyros is located three houses away from the White Castle, which can be rented with the Turret. A delightful adventure for artistic nomads.
This restored two-story tower has one bedroom and one bathroom, with a variety of living spaces, both indoor and out - a great vacation home for rent in Nisyros for up to four guests.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
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.
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. There is a taverna 100m from the house, and a beach 5km away. The nearest town is Mandraki (7km), with a pharmacy and mini-market.
LOCATION
Emporios, Nisyros, Dodecanese Islands, Greece. Nearest airport: Kos (29km), and the port of Mandraki is 7km away. 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: Spring through fall
