My mother had always wanted to buy a house on a Cycladic island. Year after year, she patiently explored different islands in search of a place that matched her aspirations. This was how she discovered Tinos, finally ending her pilgrimage. She saw an island rich in unique architecture, unspoilt villages and a great diversity of landscapes. Captivated by this authenticity, she purchased a traditional Cycladic house in 2008 and undertook a complete renovation, guided by a respect for the old building and her own aesthetic sensibility. Today, the house, filled with carefully chosen objects, bears witness to her deep attachment to Tinos and a commitment to preserving the soul of this heritage.
This house exemplifies the Cycladic architecture typical of Tinos and Mykonos, marked by Venetian influences. Its marble lintels, adorning the windows, ensured essential natural ventilation. Built entirely of stone, its thick walls reflect ancestral craftsmanship. It has two storeys and a ground floor formerly used for livestock, storage and the kitchen. The first floor features ceilings four to five metres high, whilst the ground floor is distinguished by beautiful vaulted ceilings, particularly in the bathrooms. The chestnut ceilings come from Athos. Finally, the property includes a detached dovecote, a rarity in the region.
According to tradition, the Cyclades are nymphs petrified by Poseidon, forming a circle around Delos, the birthplace of Apollo. Tinos, dedicated to Aeolus, god of the winds, was a crossroads of the Aegean Sea and the last Venetian stronghold until 1715. In the hamlet of Modenados, this 17th-century residence retains its original atmosphere, blending Venetian influences with local traditions. In the 19th century, the house belonged to a captain involved in the grain trade with Russia. The previous owner, a Greek reporter and writer, who had carried out a basic restoration in the 1970s, sold it to my mother in 2008. We undertook a complete restoration using reclaimed marble, sourced from neoclassical and traditional buildings demolished in Greece in the 1990s and from ancient quarries.
The house offers a haven of absolute peace, where only the wind, birdsong, donkeys or the village bell disturb the silence. Situated between two small villages within a few minutes’ walk, it enjoys a secluded setting whilst remaining close to shops and traditional tavernas, which come alive in the summer. The sea view, ever-changing, invites contemplation. Music lovers will find a piano available, whilst the nearest beaches are just a ten-minute drive away. The island of Tinos, rich in history and craft traditions, also offers beautiful walks through its gentle hills.
Just a few minutes away, the “Drosia” tavern serves up traditional Greek cuisine, complemented by sweeping sea views. In Mirsini, “Terasa”, a discreet tavern/grocery shop, cultivates an authentic simplicity, staying true to local flavours. The village of Agapi charms visitors with its dovecotes and its traditional café, “H Kamara Tou Agapiou”, where time seems to stand still. From Tripotamos, a hiking trail leads to Exomvourgo, the island’s highest point, offering breathtaking views. In Pyrgos, the Marble Museum pays tribute to an ancestral craft deeply rooted in the island’s identity.
This Cycladic property, typical of the islands of Tinos and Mykonos, is available for film shoots and photo shoots. It is characterised by its marble and stone floors, its marble vaults and lintels, as well as a roof terrace offering views of the mountains and the sea.
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