My grandfather acquired this island in 1916 and it has belonged to our family ever since. It is a private haven of peace, accessible only by sea. We live permanently on this unique land. Some of the buildings serve as holiday rentals and we host all those who wish to experience this heavenly life.
The oldest building is from the Ottoman period, most likely built around the 16th century with materials from the island, cedarwood, limestone, earth and stone. The walls are one metre thick and provide the excellent insulation that modern buildings lack. Stood proudly, it is one hundred metres in length and has its own rainwater cistern. The interior window frames and shutters have been kept in their original style. After a slight renovation in the 1950s, the building housed distinguished guests such as Greta Garbo and Maria Callas. My grandfather, who was a "modernist", built his house a few metres from the sea by assembling a model from the 1917 Sears and Roebuck catalogue. He imported it on one of his boats that travelled between Greece and the USA. From 1908 to 1940, Sears, Roebuck and Co designed no less than 447 different housing styles and sold approximately 70,000 to 75,000 "Modern Homes" which could be ordered by mail order and through the catalogue. In 1927, my grandfather built another house for guests in the neoclassical style of the time which is also located on the waterfront. This house and the 18th century Ottoman building now serve as holiday rentals. Our family lives in the Sears and Roebuck house.
The island has a long history. The Ottoman occupation of Greece resulted in the establishment of the pasha of Euboea (the equivalent of a prefect of a province) during the winter months on the island. After the liberation of Greece in 1822, the property passed into the hands of the Russian imperial family who built the church of St Nicholas here in 1848. When the tsar's niece married the future king of Greece, the property was returned to the nation. Thanks to its proximity to Athens, the royal family spent their weekends and holidays here and grew vineyards and various agricultural crops. My grandfather, who was close to King Alexander, heir to the ten islands, offered to buy them back from him in 1916. This is how the property was transferred to my family.
Access to the largest private island in the Mediterranean. The absolute privacy of an entire island spanning four hundred hectares located in an archipelago of ten islands, all of which are private. The guarantee of total privacy and the feeling of living in a nature reserve. Surrounded by fragrant pine forests and an abundance of flora, with sweet-scented pistachio, fig and olive trees rustling in the breeze, this island could easily be mistaken for paradise. The island's organic farm and vegetable garden provide endless delicious produce. To truly appreciate it, we can recommend a private chef to call upon. On the property, ten bicycles for both adults and children are provided for exploring the trails around the island. Yoga classes can be organised on request. All our electricity needs are covered by solar energy.
Located at the water's edge, the property enjoys its own beach as well as a water sports facility offering sea kayaking, water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, scuba diving, and kitesurfing. Professional instructors are available for private training. On the nearby island of Evia, there are some excellent restaurants in Karystos, a small fishing port to the south, including Katrin's. In Marmari Evia, the Glactophore panos dairy is renowned for its fresh Greek yoghurt. Finally, the Palaia Chora Montofoli Wine Estate hosts wine tastings in an Ottoman period property.
The property can accommodate a total of twenty people. The ten rooms are spread between two buildings. The main villa is located on a private beach with its own piers and a natural lagoon of turquoise sea. Large stone paved terraces lead directly to the private beach and pier. Equipped with sofas, lounge chairs, stone benches and dining areas, the welcoming seating areas offer an abundance of space. Daily housekeeping, on-site staff, a concierge, and light laundry and ironing services are included in the price.
ref 915171
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