Guest House
Arts & Crafts Gallery
"A landscape is not, as some people perceive it simply as, a whole set of land, plants and water; it is the projection of the people's souls on the matter."
Odysseus Elytis
ABOUT
With great care and respect for its history, we have restored and renovated the two-storey mansion that sheltered Capetan Constanti's family for many years. The mansion is located in Kali Strata, the 500-steps street that connects Gialos - the harbor district, with Chorio - the upper part of the island that accommodates most of Symi's population.
Kali Strata was the neighborhood of the rich merchants and captains that during their journeys, they have got in touch with the artistic streams of the Western world. Upon their return on the island they have managed to incorporate these experiences in a unique way through the vernacular Aegean architecture that already existed on the island thanks to the excellent craftsmans of the time.
During the restoration, we were carefully progressing in a way that would not 'betray' the character of the house's craftsmanship, and that would not cover up its history. This would be impossible without the help of the modern local craftsmen who carry the knowledge of their ancestors.
That way, we have reformed the ground floor into our architectural office 'LERIAS Design & Engineering' and an Arts & Crafts gallery, while the upper floor of the residence into a modern and functional - without unnecessary luxuries - 63m2 apartment. Keeping it simple but elegant, it will accommodate visitors that are interested in the history of a place as a house can narrate.
THE HOUSE
Access
The Mansion can be accessed either by walking up the stone steps like the locals do (300m, about 15min), or by taxi that stops 100 m. away from the entrance (walk down). The closest bus stop is 250m away where motorbikes can reach almost outside the house entrance.
Basic Rules
-
Maximum number of guests 3 persons
-
Pets are not allowed
-
Smoking is allowed only outdoors
-
Departure time until 12:00. In case of late departure we will gladly hold your luggage
-
Minimum stay: 5 days
Pricing
-
01 March - 31 May 150 €
-
01 June - 30 June 170 €
-
01 July - 31 July 190 €
-
01 Aug - 31 Aug 215 €
-
01 Sep - 20 Sep 185 €
-
21 Sep - 30 Sep 170 €
-
01 Oct - 31 Oct 150 €
*all taxes are included
*For a full list of terms and conditions as well as the cancellation policy and payment terms click here
SERVICES & AMENITIES
Kitchen
Fully equiped kitchen:
Espresso coffee machine, oven, refrigerator, cookware, kitchen utensils, small appliances, tableware etc.
Air Conditioning
Two fully functional heating/cooling units in the living room and corridor area, and a ceiling fan in the bedroom
Cosmetics
High quality toiletries such as soaps and cosmetics made by natural materials. Towels and hairdryer are also included.
Cooking & Supplies
Abundant supply of great quality local ingredients to prepare your own rich & healthy breakfast (self catering).
Free Wifi
Full Wifi coverage in all the areas of the house.
Sleeping Comfort
main bedroom: double mattress 1.40x2.00m
living room: single mattress 0.90x2.00m
Premium quality mattresses, linen and pillows made from natural materials.
Garden & Balcony
A private enclosed garden with a variety of Mediterranean plants.
A balcony right above Kali Strata with a charming view of Gialos port.
Information Material
Information about culture and history, restaurants, transport, daily trips, and activities on the island.
Housekeeping
House cleaning, change of bed sheets and towels every four days.
*Washing machine is not available in the house , if necessary there is a professional laundry service on the island.
THE GALLERY
The idea sparked when we were repairing the house; a series of strange objects fell on our heads from a recess right above the front door: a fossilized sponge, α rusty horseshoe, handcrafted crosses and votives wrapped in fishnet.
"Magic items" that were kept there, who knows for how many years, to protect the inhabitants of the house.
I thought then how much soul can be in the lifeless objects....
The gallery collects unique items that are carefully selected one by one. All in one unity with each other, together with the space that houses them and the place that hosts them. Old and modern, tell stories of those who made them and those who used them as they pass from hand to hand.
ABOUT SYMI
"The ship sailed very close to the shore, but the settlement had not yet been seen. Although a fragrance came from the bare mountains.
Sage and thyme, warmed by the sun, freshened the air and welcomed the travelers first.
The Symians that were returning to their island sat silently on the gunwale having their eyes fixed on the rocks. It was like waiting for a miracle. And like so, the houses eventually revealed. Surprisingly, as a scene set by an experienced hand. Rows of colored houses with beautiful triangular pediments and churches that stand out with their blue or red domes spread out in front of us.
A sigh came out of everyone's mouths. "
- Eugenia Fakinou, from the book "Eros, Theros, Polemos" -
Symi is not just the arid islet with its tall rocks and narrow fjords with crystal clear waters. It is primarily a perfectly harmonious coexistence of the natural and man-made environment, as it is 'revealed' in a amphitheatrically built settlement, which since 1971 has been recognized as of particular historical importance and it is protected by the Ministry of Culture.
A unique ensemble that desctibes a noble civilization that dates back to the prehistoric times and reaches its peak in the 19th century thanks to the ingenuity and prosperity of its inhabitants, despite the adverse conditions they had to face.
GUEST REVIEWS
