Simply geometric, bright white and modest, with its limewashed stone walls and light grey wooden shutters and doors, SPITI is located like a typical Cycladic house above and among other houses in the village, accessible via a weave of stone paved paths and steps. With its 70 square meters it can accommodate 4 guests. Its elevated position and its south-facing orientation offer an incomparable view over the Aegean Sea, which, on a clear day take in 14 neighboring islands.
LIVING & DINING AREA
The main entrance leads into an open-plan, divided into a living and a dining area by the volto, a large arch typical of traditional houses on Tinos. Its luminous atmosphere, clean lines and understated industrial/modern style sets the tone for the rest of the house. The feature stone wall, concrete floor and high beamed ceilings create also a pleasant cool and airy ambiance. A pair of windows frame sea views like in a constantly changing painting. On the opposite wall, two symmetrically arranged openings around a niche provide access to the sleeping quarters.
A built-in sofa and handcrafted wooden sitting furniture offer comfortable seating and practical storage space, facing a plain wood stove next to the front door. In the well-equipped kitchen the vintage marble sink is placed in front of a window. Sculpted niches serve as shelves for plates and glasses, embracing the idea of Cycladic reduction. Next to the retro-look fridge, foldable crates can be used for storing supplies.
At the center of the dining area a cozy table surrounded by chairs and stools creates a charming setting for enjoying meals. The marble lintel was hidden for years under layers of plaster and came unexpectedly to light during the renovation. Dating back over 200 years it is adorned by paganistic symbols believed to ward off evil spirits, but it wouldn’t hurt to watch yourself so you don’t hit your head on the evil horizontal stone below.
BEDROOM I
Originally serving as the house’s storeroom for keeping supplies cool, the master bedroom is built into the ground and exudes the ambiance of a fresh rocky cave, ensuring a comfortable sleep even on extra hot days. It is furnished only with the bare essentials: a built-in double bed with storage space and a custom wardrobe.
Bedroom II
In place of the original home kitchen two L-shaped single beds offer a second sleeping possibility with natural light and ventilation. The old fireplace has been repurposed into a wardrobe, while baskets, shelves and niches offer storage space for clothes and personal belongings.
Bathroom
Small and functional the cozy bathroom is equipped with stone washbasin and rain shower system.
Veranda
Outside on the spacious veranda a small table and chairs, comfortable chaise lounges and a parasol allow an all-day enjoyment of the stunning views for all tastes and with a soundtrack of darts, bells and cicadas: no matter whether you prefer to gaze over the huge plane trees of the square down to the ruined windmills of Triantaros and the dry-stone walls on the slope, or the prehistoric fortified peninsula of Vryokastro at the coast and the port of Chora, watching the ferries come and go all the time, or simply at the horizon of the islands, whether in the shade, in the sun or under the stars, you will surely take that image and feeling with you. And maybe it will make you come back again.
Facilities
CONSIDERATIONS
Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls, children must be supervised at all times.
The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around SPITI, might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.
There are some treacherous spots where you should duck if you are taller than a certain height. Pay particular attention to the openings to the bathroom and bedrooms. The passageway (“Kamára”) between SPITI and SPITAKI is low and the steps irregular.
The tap water is not drinkable. Except buying water bottles, there is also a well in the village square. The water comes directly from a spring and you can get it there, just like the villagers.
Unfortunately, Dyo Choria has a water problem in the summer months. Sometimes the whole village runs out of water for a day until the reservoir is refilled. The water tank next to SPITAKI help bridge such a day. If you hear that it is filling up again, it is a good sign.
There is a pump at the back left of the storeroom. In normal operation, a green lamp should light up. If the tank is empty, a red light (alarm) will also come on. If no water has flowed for a long time, the pump may need a “reset”. Please press the corresponding button.
It would be nice if you would generally take care not to use too much water.
In contrast to many other places on the island, SPITI is well protected from the wind. But sometimes there is a gust or two… When you leave the house, please close the parasol, lift it out of the stand and put it on the ground.
Please feel free to combine tables, loungers, chairs, cushions and swap as you wish. If possible, please put the cushions in the house overnight.
Waste is also separated here. The garbage can next to the fridge is for plastic, the one under the sink is for residual waste. There are bins at the entrance to the village.