Located in the scenic village of Logothetianika, this exquisitely restored 19th century traditional home is surrounded by fields of olive and fig trees and with views of the sea.
Kythera is a very special island, known for its wild natural environment, simple but elegant stone architecture and village life. The goddess Aphrodite was said to have been born here out of the sea foam that churns along the rocky coastline.
Your host, the Greek painter Evita Frantzola, has taken great care to create a home where you can experience this unique atmosphere in style and comfort.
The property has been in her family since 1789. Built to withstand the rough conditions of 19th century village life, it has an austere beauty with thick stone walls, small windows and a graceful arched ceiling on the first floor that cradles a massive fireplace. Evita has brought her artistic eye to restoring this jewel of vernacular architecture using stylish modern furnishings and décor to enhance but never overpower the inherent beauty of the space.
The ground floor forms the core of the original structure. This level has a monastery style bathroom, one bedroom, a cozy living room with a large fireplace equipped for indoor cooking, and a fully equipped kitchen that opens onto a large terrace and garden. Surrounded by 60-centimeter-thick walls that keep the building cool in summer and warm in winter you will want to settle in for many hours reading or just relaxing.
Upstairs is the very private master bedroom suite that opens onto a large deck with sweeping views of the village, countryside and sea. With high ceilings and large windows, the room is flooded with Kythera’s magical light.
The home offers the best in indoor-outdoor living and maintains the balance between a cultivated garden and Kythera’s wild nature. Both floors open onto large terraces where you can barbeque or sip your morning coffee. The home itself is set on 4,000 square meters of land planted with fruit and olive tress and a garden dense with roses, jasmine and many other flowers. Depending on the time of year, there may be sheep grazing in the fields beyond, their bells chiming in the wind.
The Area
Logothetianika is a small agricultural village with around 100 residents who raise sheep and goats and plant olives and vegetables. It is just 1 kilometer away from Potamos, the commercial center of the island with excellent tavernas, cafes, a market, a grocery store, a pharmacy and other amenities. You can also eat at Polina’s Restaurant, which serves fresh local cuisine, very near to the house in Logothetianika.
The beautiful beach of Lycodimou is just 4 kilometers away. At 7 kilometers you’ll find another excellent beach, Aghia Pelagia, which is famous for its seaside taverna where the freshest seafood and local vegetables are served.
Walking is one of the island’s greatest pleasures and you can start from the house, wandering through the fields or down the narrow country roads discovering places where time seems to have stopped.
Evita will gladly answer any questions you may have about towns to visit, hiking trails, archeological sites or anything else you need to know to plan your visit.
“In Search of Kythera and Antikythera” is the best English language guide to the island. It’s available online or you can buy it in shops on the island.