Staying in an old Greek tower is appealing enough, but this one has been given a great makeover, turning it into a contemporary cavern. Towards the very south of the Greek Peloponnese is Mani, famed for its old stone towers. If you're craving something different from the Greek islands, and want to stay in an architecturally unique property, it would be hard to find something more compelling than this.  

This tower-house, which dates back to the 18th century, is located at Exo Nyfi, an abandoned traditional village where director John Cassavetes filmed The Tempest. It looks out over the striking towers of Mani, and is surrounded by olive trees, carob trees and prickly pear cacti.  

The house was recently renovated, keeping the building’s traditional style but modernizing interiors with beautiful cave-like lines and minimalist decor. Built into the slope of the hill, the property is divided over three levels, each with access to the garden and yards. 

The house is made up of two apartments, and both sleep up to five guests. Rooms are cosy and reach each other by wooden ladders and stone stairways. The house also has an assortment of elegant terraces, offering views of the hillsides rolling down to the sea.     

ADDITIONAL FEATURES  

The property consists of two apartments that can be rented together or separately. On the lower level, or Katoi, there is a bedroom with a double and single bed, as well as a loft, with a double mattress. A wooden staircase leads to the middle level, with a kitchen and living room (which can also sleep three).  

A staircase leads to the third level, or Anoi, which can be the separate apartment. It consists of a living room with fireplace, double sofabed, open-plan kitchen, a loft with a single bed, a double bedroom and a bathroom.  

The western yard is a shady refuge. The central veranda has an open-air kitchen with a marble sink, BBQ and big wooden table. The small balcony on the east side is ideal for having breakfast under the shadow of the tower, and it leads to the garden with a hammock and carob tree. The east yard offers a magnificent view of Kotronas Bay.  

The house was built using local materials, and has rainwater harvesting and an eco-friendly waste disposal system for irrigation.  

AROUND  

The house is 200m from the village parking facilities, and it is five minutes away from the sea, by car. The region of Mani is one of rugged natural beauty, with secluded pebble beaches, small creeks, Byzantine churches, six castles and around 800 austere tower houses. Mani is located at the southernmost point not only of Greece but also of the whole European continent, and the deepest point of the Mediterranean is 62 miles southwest.  

Local sites worth visiting include the Diros caves, located at the top of Mani between the town of Pirgos Dirou and Areopolis. Mount Taygetos is a popular hiking destination.  

LOCATION  

Exo Nyfi, eastern Peloponnese, Greece. Nearest airport: Kalamata (100km).