Greek Houzz: Breathtaking Views and Restful Design in Mykonos
Step inside a serene and sun-drenched villa in Mykonos, Greece to take a deep breath of fresh air
Characterised by spare, whitewashed walls, rounded exterior corners that protect against meltemi (strong north winds), and flat roofs for rainwater collection, a Cycladic house – the style you often see in postcard-perfect Greek island communities – conjures up dreams of a getaway for most people. But for California native Elleni Makris and her family, it’s everyday life. ‘Our villa, Anassa, is a labour of love. I worked with bricklayers, stonemasons and plasterers to get everything just right and to create a feeling that is distinctly Mykonos,’ she says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Elleni and Zissis Makris and their two sons
Size 450 square metres
Location Mykonos, Greece
That’s interesting Anassa, the name of the villa, means ‘deep, restful breath’ or ‘sigh’ in Greek.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here Elleni and Zissis Makris and their two sons
Size 450 square metres
Location Mykonos, Greece
That’s interesting Anassa, the name of the villa, means ‘deep, restful breath’ or ‘sigh’ in Greek.
In the town of Mykonos, houses historically were built close to one another so that word about potential invaders would spread fast. Anassa is a bit of an exception, as it sits on sprawling property. Elleni says, “We live in Anassa and rent out the other villas on our compound to visitors.”
The Makris family has an open-door policy – guests come and go at any time of day. “The weather and our location in Mykonos fosters a tight-knit community,” says Elleni.
Just a five-minute walk from the villa lies Panormos Bay, where locals and expats swim freely. "There are no crowds, and you get a nice mix of the different homeowners in Mykonos," Elleni says. "We have people from every corner of the globe, but here in Panormos Bay, homes are owned mostly by Italians, Germans and Greeks."
An archaeological site nearby is believed to house the tomb of the Iliad's hero, Ajax.
An archaeological site nearby is believed to house the tomb of the Iliad's hero, Ajax.
Elleni bought the antique carved doors in the living room (along with other pieces) from a second-hand dealer in Tripoli. “My carpenter built the frame and incorporated the doors to hide the entertainment centre,” she says.
The stone floor tiles, from a quarry in northern Greece, were customised for the villa. The flooring “has an antique finish and was laid in a traditional Byzantine pattern,” says Elleni.
Friends from California visit often, so the villa is often filled with people. "Our dining table was custom built to our specifications by a local furniture builder," says Elleni. Following Greek custom, lunch usually is served late, at 4 p.m. Guests and hosts alike contribute to the food preparation, and meals are long and leisurely.
"Cooking for lots of people at a time is sometimes a challenge, especially because I have sons who also have friends over. The men in the house are usually in charge of grilling caught fish or local beef, lamb or goat," says Elleni.
Elleni bought the Moroccan tiles in this bathroom from a tile shop in Athens. They were set into wet plaster on the floor and walls and around the mirror. The marble sink features hand-carved detailing.
This coffee table includes a carving of the Star of David in the middle of the frame.
Cross breezes and thick walls keep the house a comfortable temperature, so it's rare for the family to use the villa's air conditioning. "I stuck with the traditional way of having the plaster [extend] into the room about 6 inches, clearly demarcating spaces," says Elleni.
A ceramic starfish, done by friend and Greek artist Rosa Pappas, punctuates this space.
A ceramic starfish, done by friend and Greek artist Rosa Pappas, punctuates this space.
Pappas also hand-painted the sea creatures that appear on these bathroom walls and throughout the villa's interior.
Elleni used traditional coloured cement floors (above in white) for the villa’s seven bedrooms.
Elleni purchased the two handmade brass sinks (above) on a trip to Morocco and had them installed in the villa's downstairs bathrooms.
The family hosts three full-moon parties throughout the year in their verandah and pool area (this photo and previous one). “The moon rises over the bay, and it is truly magical. The August full moon is the most fun because the house is usually packed. It’s a great way to close out the summer,” says Elleni.