Two storeys house, with a surrounding space of 1.5 acres, courtyards
and terrace. Its rooms can accommodate one or two families or a group
of friends that should not exceed a maximum of eight people.
The Psacharopoulos Neoclassical house was built in Sifnos during the
middle of the 19th century. The members of the family owned the Pan
Hellenic Shipping Company (Panhellenique Navigation a Vapeur, Athens)
that connected many of Europe's famous trading ports and often, their
ships went from Tergeste to Odessos.
In order to build one of the first and unique Neoclassical houses
found on the island, the family used the skills of both local and
foreign workmen while the building materials that where needed for
the house were transported on the ships that belonged to the family.
The house is located on the edge of Artemonas, a traditional and un-
spoiled village that since the 1950's has been protected from further
change by the Greek government. Whilst it's secluded and quiet,
ensuring great privacy to the visitor, it also gives the opportunity
to reach the 'tavernas' and 'kafeneia' (coffee shops) of the
picturesque Artemonas, in less than a five-minute walk. In another
ten minutes on foot or less than 1km by car is the center of the
island, Apollonia, with bars, restaurants and small shops selling
arts and crafts. The beaches of the island, such as Platis Yialos,
Chrisopigi, Vathi and Faros, famous for their clear blue waters can
also be reached in less than fifteen minutes by car or bus.
The House
The house was built as a place of gathering for all the members of
the Psacharopoulos family scattered around the world, offering its
hospitality to the friends and colleagues of the Shipping Company.
Looking at the layout of the house, one can easily notice that its
rooms can function either as separate or as combined living quarters.
Between the two wars, the house's plan as outlined above, allowed it
to run as a small hotel, providing 'food and sleep'.
The house now belongs to the 6th generation of the family, whilst one
of its last owners, Nikos Psacharopoulos, a director and manager of
the Williamstown Theatre Festival in the USA, was a host to famous
personalities.
STRUCTURE
The dinning room, the traditional kitchen with wooden beams and a
typical for the island fire place known as 'panostria', suitable for
the preparation of meals, can be found on the ground floor of the
house. Here, the visitor can also find the bathrooms, a small bedroom
and the old cellar of the house, with a bottle - storage, used to
keep the wines bought by the family at the right temperature and
humidity.
A double set of stairs leads to the first floor and consists of five
bedrooms, a study room and a living room, which has a balcony
offering a great view of the island.
The high ceiling rooms, furnished with the family's old treasures,
preserve a sense of magnificence.
The surrounding area consists of split-level yards and gardens, on
which one can enjoy the panoramic view of the island, the Aegean Sea
and the neighboring islands of Folegandros, Sikinos and Antiparos.
The front terrace, offers an atmosphere of relaxation, whether you're
having breakfast or coffee under the shades of the trees, or whether
you're having dinner gazing at the stars, enjoying a breathtaking
view of the beautifully lit Apollonia.
FacilitiesBedding.
Hot water
Traditional kitchen, fully equipped.
Provisions for breakfast.
Barbeque on the terrace
Stereo player on the ground floor, including radio and CD player.
PC with Internet connection (WiFi) - Fax - Printer
Books (in English) and board games.
Pets are allowed and can themselves enjoy their stay, by using the
surrounding outdoor areas of the house.
For your complete privacy and in order for you to feel at home, no
one else will be living at the house during your stay. However the
telephone number of the owners will always be at your disposal, ready
to assist you in any case of difficulty or emergency.
Island's Location
Sifnos is part of the Cyclades islands. It's one of the most
beautiful islands found in the Aegean Sea. The distance from Piraeus
port in Athens to the island is 84 nautical miles. Transportation is
by ferry boat (5.30 hours) or high-speed ferry (3.15 hours). Between
the months of April and October, the services are frequent and on a
daily basis.
History
During antiquity, Sifnos was known under the name of Meropi. It was
the wealthiest island of the Cyclades and was inhabited by the Iones.
In Delphi, one can currently find the treasures of the Sifnians that
are only a sample of the island's wealth. As a member of the Athenian
Alliance, Sifnos aided the Athenians during the war against the
Persians. During the Franks rule in the Aegean, Sifnos came under the
occupation of several families. In 1573, the Turks took over
occupancy from the Venetians, but the island was still allowed many
privileges. Poets, important names of the Greek intelligentsia,
playwrights, renowned jurists/legists and Constantinople's Patriarch
Gregorios the 7th, were born in Sifnos. Other famous personalities
born on the island include the great doctor of antiquity Difilos,
during the 3rd century and during the 19th century, the famous cook
Nikolaos Tselementes, a man who was influenced and who himself
influenced the well-known and interesting to our days, Sifnian
cuisine.
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