STERNA Residence

In a Castle Overlooking Nisyros

This beautiful vacation home rental in Greece stands high above all the activity on the island of Nisyros. Located inside an ancient ruined castle, it's been given a modern minimalist makeover, and is a haven for artists. 

Located in a medieval castle overlooking the island of Nisyros, this property is a traditional two-story house that dates back to the 17th century. Unfortunately, in 1933, an earthquake caused devastating damage, and painstaking work was done to restore it to its former structure. It was designed by artist Greg Haji Joannides and constructed by architect Giorgis Tsironis in 2014.

What stands now is a traditional home with a modern infrastructure and minimalist aesthetics. It strikes a cool balance between monastic purity and metropolitan chic, with striking whitewashed stone interiors, strong lines, simple modern furnishings, cool curves and lots of light.

The ground floor is an open space with kitchen, living room and working space, while the first floor has two large bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house also has an outdoor living space with a dining table, as well as a really cool rooftop lounge area, offering impressive views of the island's volcano, Asia Minor and the other Dodecanese islands.

A truly exceptional vacation home rental in Greece.

Additional features

Wifi, bluetooth speaker, ceiling fans in the bedrooms, laundry service, and car parking 100m from the house. Fine Belgian linens, Turkish hamam towels, beach towels, Apivita Greek Natural cosmetics, and hairdryer. Massage and yoga sessions available upon request. Meals at home can be organised with a local cook. Grocery shopping delivery upon request.

The house has a contemporary art residency program, and plans for a gallery and art space are underway.

Around

The property is located on the small island of Nisyros, which is part of the Dodecanese group of islands, in the southeastern Aegean Sea, situated south of Kos. The island has a population of 1,000, which swells slightly in the summer months - but this is not an overly touristy island. In fact, it calls itself a quiet paradise - with a small village atmosphere, small roads and great views. 

Things to do include exploring the volcanic crater and watching the boiling holes. There's a volcanological museum in Nikia, at the edge of the caldera, an acropolis at Paleokastro, the monastery of Panagia Spiliani built in a cave at the top of a hill northwest of the capital Mandraki, and thermal spas at Loutra. There are many great beaches, and excursions to the surrounding islands like Gyali are recommended. 

There are lots of trails full of native vegetation near the property.

Location

Nisyros, Greece. Nearest airport: Kos International airport. Visitors can reach the island by plane from Athens to Kos (daily flights) and then by boat, either one hour from Kardamaina or a two hours from Kos’ main port.

Best time to visit

May to September