The Old World

The Old World: Syros

Built in 1780, this honey-hued stone villa sits in the quiet village of Ano Manna. In the big, private garden, large pine trees date back to the 1800s and still provide shade and a forest scent to this day. Here you’ll find hammocks strung up between trees, a built-in stone barbecue with its cast-iron cauldron still intact and a kids playground with a climbing wall, swings and a trampoline. A separate stone building is home to the gym, packed with state-of-the-art equipment and a bubbling sunken Jacuzzi for a post-workout soak.

There are two living rooms to choose from – one on the ground floor and the other on the first floor. A handful of classic novels and a vintage radio add a nostalgic feel alongside rough painted rockers in the sunny window spot. Thick stone walls in the kitchen are a throwback to yesteryear and you can dine at the rustic farmhouse table inside, or the stone table outside.

When it comes to exploring Syros, it’s a ten-minute drive to the main town of Ermoupoli and seven minutes to the charming beach town of Azolimnos.

Home truths:
*This villa is out in the quiet countryside, so having a car is recommended
*There is plenty of private parking at this villa
*A cleaning service is included