Perched on a hill above Chora, 6 km from the harbour, Semeli Arthouse is not just any holiday home. Tradition, artistic creation, wild nature and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea combine to create an enchanted place in which you immerse yourself to create your own dream world on the magical island of Tinos.
Developed on several levels, the 152 m2 complex consists of a traditional 19th century village house, with thick stone walls keeping it cool in all seasons, through which you access a semi-independent maisonette on 2 levels.
Behind the high white walls that surround it like a fortress, hides a gigantic terrace completely sheltered from the meltemi, this son of Aeolus who sometimes makes church bells ring. This living space, with its 3 dining areas and multiple relaxation spots is the real heart of the house. Breakfast is taken facing the terraced hills leading to the sea, country lunches opposite the olive trees are shaded by the large pergola. In the evening, resting on comfortable lounge chairs, one observes a star-studded sky and the full moon that rises behind the monastery opposite, seemingly rolling down the mountain to dive into the silver sea.
The house is accessed through the living room, ("sala" in the local language), whose imposing "volto" (arch) forms the basis of the architecture of the island. The fireplace corner is the gathering point during the cool evenings at the start and end of the season. The 2 sideboards from the 1930s and the large extending table which comfortably seats 10 people come from a bourgeois family home in Athens. The imposing XIXc. mirror facing the entrance as well as the bookcases on either side of the room have always furnished the house and bear the family insignia. Each decorative object from Greece and abroad has its own story to tell and has been collected by the owners during their travels over the years.
On the back of the "sala", two dreamlike bedrooms transport you to the magic of the Big Blue. In "Lavander Blue", dreams are made on a double bed under the mosquito net - more decorative than necessary, as the eucalyptus trees in the garden are excellent repellents.
The kite in "Turquoise Blue" awakens the imagination of adults and children alike. Its private terrace is the ideal place to have breakfast in full privacy, sheltered from the sun. This room has an antique single bed and a large wardrobe.
The kitchen combines tradition and modernity and is fully equipped with stove, large refrigerator, dishwasher, coffee maker, & toaster. The worktops are custom-cut from traditional island stone and the stove is built into the original stone hearth. Many cupboards and drawers house the rest of the kitchen equipment, the hand-painted plates are displayed on a wall-mounted rack, the glasses in an antique buffet. A direct exit towards the stone table under the pergola facilitates service and access to the terrace.
Through the kitchen there is access to 2 small shower rooms, each with shower, WC, & sink and view of the hills and windmill behind the house.
To the right of the main room is the second salon/entertainment room, featuring a piano, desk, and a built-in double bed, decorated with embroidery from the ancestors of the owners and bearing their initials. A spiral staircase leads to the "Tower", the most spacious bedroom in the house. It is furnished with twin beds forming a large double bed with a canopy and various pieces of matching antique furniture belonging to the family. This bedroom has its own bathroom with WC, shower and sink, and leads to the independent terrace on the upper level. These two levels can be isolated from the rest of the house, forming a semi-independent maisonette ideal for a couple with 1-2 children or 2 couples of friends.
The house sleeps a total of 7 people.
Belonging to a family of painters, writers and musicians, this unusual house is a haven of peace, both esthète and bohemian, & a perfect theatre setting for unforgettable holidays.
