Akri Villa

A Cherished Space on the Edge of the Island

This striking but deeply personal and cherished home is set on stark landscape by the sea on the Greek island of Kythnos. Its owner is French but of Greek origin, with a profound love for the country of her ancestors. When she and her husband moved back to Paris from New York a decade ago, they decided to find the perfect house in Greece to spend every summer, somewhere far from the crowds but close enough to Athens to make travel convenient.

Five years ago, they discovered Kythnos, a short ferry ride from Piraeus, and fell in love with its gentle, traditional feel, its warm, welcoming residents, and its countless beaches. When it came to finding a place to call their own, they chose the most secluded, southern part of the island, with its wild landscapes and seashores, great views and direct access to the sea.

The house they built is now called Akri, which means "the edge" or "the end" as it sits on a large plot of land on the very southern end of the island, far from the noisy urban life they occupy during the rest of the year. It's the perfect spot for taking in the island's spectacular sunsets.

The house they built with the help of a local designer is a combination of traditional architectural style, with lovely stonework, and modern design. The result is white, light and airy, with minimal adornment and touches of color that lend it a summery feel.

This villa for rent in Greece has five bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as generously sized common areas. The garden is still growing but has a striking infinity-edged pool that overlooks the sea, a beautiful stone path, and a direct access to the sea where you can swim undisturbed, or paddleboard. Alternatively, relax with a glass of wine and take in the view.

AROUND

This villa for rent in Greece is located on Kythnos, a Cycladic island between Kea and Serifos. The island is only 99sqkm with a population of 1,310, but it has a coastline of 104km with 99 coves and beaches, many of which are inaccessible by car. That means, if you can get to them, they're very likely to be deserted. A boat rental is highly recommended.

The house is five minutes' drive from Agios Dimitrios, a beach with numerous trees that offer some shade and two tavernas. One of the restaurants is the owners' friendly 'second home', where they while away many hours, eating delicious local food, talking about life with their hosts, while their children play in the sand. The house is also 15 minutes' drive from a supermarket, and 20 minutes from Dryopida, one of the two traditional white villages in the center of the island. The other is Chora.

There are also three main seaside settlements: Merichas, which is the main port, the bay of Loutra with its well-known hot springs, and Panagia Kanala, with the church of the same name.

LOCATION

Kythnos, Greece. Kythnos is 3 hours from the port of Piraeus and 1 hour and 40 minutes from the port of Lavrion, and there are daily connections with both ports.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Late spring to early autumn.