Set in the prestigious Kavouri peninsula in Athens, this 800 sqm villa resulted from a complete reconstruction of a derelict building from the 1970s. Maintaining only the outer shell and structure, the building was reimagined into a luxurious holiday villa commiserate to the standards of a 5-star resort. The design brief was focused on wellness and the key features that make the Greek lifestyle so desirable.
The villa's design was focused around maximizing the exterior views of the Saronic gulf and creating a diverse and livable exterior space. Extending over a 3 stremma multilevel property, each terrace was repurposed to cater for the diverse clientele throughout all hours of the day. Upon entering, guests are received at the main entertainment area, with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, bar and dining area. With direct access to the formal living area and main kitchen of the home, this becomes the main entertainment space. At the lower level, the interior open plan gym and spa facilities open into a lap pool, creating an ideal wellness and relaxation zone. The nine en-suite bedrooms are situated in all three levels of the villa, with direct access to one of the two interior living areas, thus allowing a more diverse use of the home, depending on the capacity.
In-keeping with the local mid-century architecture, predominantly in the surrounding area(i.e., The Four seasons resort, previously known as Astir Palace), the project's clean lines and materiality are portrayed in this. The local stone cladding in the exterior facades and perimeter of the building, was sourced locally and has become a characteristic seen in the surrounding architecture,thus blending with the Mediterranean vegetation, and creating a visual break in the facade of the building.
The interior of the home is a fine balance between soft contemporary and minimal.Basalt and slate stone looking tiles were used for the flooring of all common areas and bathrooms, in natural tones, with accents of oak cabinetry for contrast. Oak wood flooring and custom cabinetry with accents of rattan was selected for the bedrooms, for a clean yet warm effect. The interior furnishings and décor are a mix of contemporary, Scandinavian designs,contrasting heavier, organic forms, creating an understated luxury.
Photos:Yannis Psathas
In collaboration with Desani.
