A Painter’s Home In Hydra

Steeped in artistic history, this remarkable estate in Hydra was the family home of one of Greece’s great painters, Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, whose family owned the property from the 18th century. A permit has been issued to reconstruct the main house and two guest houses with total interiors of 1,078 m².  This is a rare opportunity to restore a property with a unique artistic legacy, complemented by exceptional open views of the sea and the Peloponnese, in one of Hydra’s most privileged locations. In 1937, the artist restored the house, transforming it into his home and studio and creating a cultural meeting place for prominent figures of the artistic and literary world, including the writer Patrick Leigh Fermor and the painter John Craxton. Leigh Fermor famously described it as a ”laboratory of prose”. The house was completely destroyed by fire in 1961, and its ruins remain on the estate today. Set at one of the highest points of Kaminia, the property occupies land of 4,141 sq.m. enclosed by traditional stone walls. The estate enjoys spectacular, open and uninterrupted views across the sea towards the Peloponnese and enjoys a rare sense of privacy and connection with the surrounding landscape. The existing ruins comprise three buildings, including the former main residence and studio. The proposed restoration will create a sophisticated principal residence featuring six bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, generous living areas, a kitchen, home cinema, gym, jacuzzi and swimming pool. Two separate guest or staff houses will provide two additional bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, as well as storage, laundry and auxiliary spaces. Located approximately 20 minutes on foot from Hydra Town or just 5 minutes by sea taxi, the estate is also only 500 meters from the nearest beach. This is a rare opportunity to restore a property with a unique artistic legacy, complemented by exceptional open views of the sea and the Peloponnese, in one of Hydra’s most privileged locations.