What to Expect
Hydra's top end properties are already unavailable. So to offer more choice, I am pleased to include Artist's House in Kiafa for limited dates this year. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms.
It is higher above Hydra port in the old town of Kiafa, however it offers sweeping views, solitude, and well-connected walking pathways in return. It is 10-15 minutes up from the port and, because of its location, is equidistant from Hydra Town, Kamini and Plakes.
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In the owner's words
A unique place with a style all its own, this artist’s home is newly renovated and architect-designed with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms to easily accommodate families, couples and small groups. The house is located in Kiafa, Hydra’s old town, and stands high above the port with views of the sea and Peloponnese as well as the rugged mountainside of Mount Eros. The home is decorated with the artist’s own work as well as items from his collection and hosts artists-in-residence in the off-season. Expect privacy and seclusion, away from the busy centre with expansive views and evening stargazing.
The home consists of two buildings. The first, dating to the mid-19th century, is two-stories, built of Hydriot cut stone and contains an open plan living room and kitchen on the upper floor, with large breezy windows, wood floors, restored period furniture, and modern amenities, including a washer/dryer. It is connected to the large roof terrace of the neighbouring one-story building which provides an expansive area for outdoor living including a large dining table, an outdoor grill, and a wooden pergola. The ground floor contains two double bedrooms with ample closet space.
The second building dates to the mid-20th century and is connected by a small courtyard and exterior staircase. It contains a third double bedroom with en-suite bathroom, writing desk with lovely views, and a second large master bathroom. The small courtyard has an outdoor shower with hot and cold water.
Design & Sustainability
The entire home was renovated in 2021 with sustainability in mind. Traditional Hydriot architectural features were preserved, overlayed with modern design, including poured concrete sinks and counters, marble tables, modern fixtures, and custom cabinetry. There is whole-house water filtration, eliminating the need for plastic and bottled water, and air conditioning units in each bedroom run efficiently off of a single condenser. Each bedroom also features ceiling fans for those who prefer a more natural environment.
Greek products were sourced wherever possible, including COCO-MAT mattresses for a luxurious and restful night's sleep, Anemos linens and towels, Korres toiletries, locally made soaps, furnishings from local Hydriot artisans, and Niyama yoga mats. There is also snorkelling gear, dry bags, fouta beach towels and beach bags for guests’ use.
Location
Reach the house via a 10-15 minute walk from the port, 100 meters above the centre of Hydra town. From there, it is a short 10 minute walk to charming local tavernas and secluded swimming in and around the small, picturesque harbour of Kamini. The family beaches of Kamini and the stylish Castello beach club are a 15 minute walk.
Scenic rural walkways provide a direct connection to Vlychos and Plakes, as well as the Profitis Ilias Monestary. As a result the area is popular with beachgoers as well as walkers and is coveted in the off-season as well. It is a 20 minute walk to the pebbled family beach at Vlychos and the family-run Marina’s Taverna. It is a 30 minute walk to the popular Four Seasons beach club in Plakes.
Kiafa was the first densely populated area of the island. Remnants of the fortified old town can still be seen as one passes under a series of archways that supported the covered bridges connecting neighbouring homes and providing residents routes to safety.