Melinia

Positioned on a hillside above the Aegean, this substantial Cycladic estate is arranged as three independent residences, each oriented towards open sea views and the changing light of the horizon. Set within a landscape of low stone walls and gently terraced ground, the property follows the natural contours of the site, creating a composition that feels closely connected to its surroundings while maintaining a strong sense of privacy and openness.

Extending across approximately 645 sqm (6,943 sqft) of interior space on a 4,450 sqm (47,899 sqft) plot, the estate balances the scale of a large family compound with the character of a traditional island residence. The architecture draws on Cycladic forms and materials, combining whitewashed volumes, exposed timber ceilings and natural stone surfaces in a restrained and coherent manner. Deep-set openings frame views towards the sea, while the elevated position allows natural light and airflow to move comfortably through the interiors throughout the day.

The principal residence forms the heart of the estate, with living spaces arranged to maintain a continuous relationship with the landscape beyond. Broad openings connect the interior to the terraces, while the proportions and materials create an atmosphere that feels calm, informal and rooted in the island setting. Sea views remain present throughout the main living areas, reinforcing the connection between the house and its surroundings.

Four en-suite bedrooms are incorporated within the main residence, including a loft-style suite beneath the roofline. The private accommodation follows the same architectural language found throughout the property, with simple materials, carefully considered proportions and views directed either towards the sea or the surrounding hillsides. The elevated position of the estate allows the bedrooms to feel both open and sheltered at the same time.

Two additional self-contained residences occupy the lower level of the property. Each has been designed as a complete home in its own right, allowing family members or guests to enjoy a degree of independence while remaining connected to the wider estate. Their architecture and interior character remain consistent with the principal house, creating a unified identity across the property as a whole.

Outdoor spaces form a natural extension of the architecture. Terraces unfold across different levels of the site, creating a variety of settings that respond to the orientation of the land and the movement of the sun throughout the day. The swimming pool faces directly towards the sea, while shaded and open-air areas are distributed across the property to take advantage of both sunlight and prevailing breezes. The relationship between built space and landscape remains carefully balanced, allowing the surrounding views to remain the dominant presence.

The overall configuration of the estate lends itself naturally to extended family living, accommodating multiple households within a single property while preserving privacy between them. At the same time, the surrounding landscape remains largely open, reinforcing the sense of seclusion while maintaining convenient access to nearby beaches and villages.

As evening approaches, the changing colours of the sea and sky gradually become the focus of the setting, with the elevated position allowing uninterrupted views across the Aegean long after the day begins to fade.