A rare example of an historic house- with all the modern comforts- in a stunning location.
Ayia Triada was built in the late 19th century by the current owners great grandfather where he produced wine,tchipouro( a local variant of ouzo) ,almonds olives, plums and many more on the 4 hectares of surrounding land. He thankfully chose a stunning location for his house with views out to sea to the neighbouring islands and across the valleys of olive groves and pine trees.
The unspoiled lovely village of Glossa is close by with its shops tavernas and cafes, but not close enough to disturb the peace and tranquility of this special spot. And the nearby beaches of Perivoliou and Hondro Georgos are also delightful as are the many secret coves and beaches in this area of special natural beauty.
The house itself has just been renovated with great respect for the traditional materials of the area and has revealed again the fantastic quality stonework of those master builders of times gone by and the wonderful proportions of this Venetian style of architecture.
It is a 2 story house built into the hillside and as is normal in many houses on the island the upstairs is one big living /kitchen/dinning room . It is in fact 9x6 meters with an open beamed ceiling creating lots of light and space and with an entrance into the rear courtyard and gardens and a balcony at the front facing the valleys below it has plenty of access and sea views.
The kitchen is well equipped and modern with a moulded cement island and limestone floors- large double-doored refrigerator and all the appliances you could need. Next to it is a dining area, although most people will probably want to eat in the outside spaces, and then a large wooden floored sitting area with sofas ,modern and antique ,and chairs to relax on. A tv and air conditioning is provided.
The traditional painted balustrade leads you down a modern staircase to the lower level where the second entrance is. Here are 2 generous bedrooms each with a large en-suite bathroom and a walk in wardrobe. One has a double bed and the other 2 singles which can be joined together to make a double.. Again they have limestone floors and the bathrooms have traditional tiled floors and rather more modern tiles for the walls. All linen and towels are provided.
The whole house has typical windows, shutters and doors of the area all painted in a lovely olive green with local lacework curtains. Fabrics, antiques and objects from the family also add to the sense of history and place that being in Ayia Triada brings.
Arriving at the house after the few minutes drive from Glossa there is a large off road parking area to leave your car surrounded by one of the surviving vineyards. You then walk past the barbecue area to enter the rear courtyards and garden and access the top room of the house.
The barbecue is an important feature in Greek life and so is a large covered area featuring a full sized barbecue and a separate wood oven .There is enough space for a full sized table in case the weather should be inclement.
Past there is the 10 meter long shaded veranda which runs the length of the building. And then the newly built parterre garden and more terraces and spaces to sit,eat , sunbathe or watch the boats go bye. There are fabulous views across the Aegean to the neighbouring islands of Alonissos and its uninhabited satellites of Ayia Panagia and Gioura (famous for its wild goats) from here.
On the other side down below the house is the families own church, which give the house its name, as it was normal in those times to build a church to give thanks for good fortune. The church is separate from the house and doesn’t overlook it but it’s worth going inside to see the simple but lovely interior and the icons painted in the byzantine style.
It is only in use for its annual festival so guests will not be disturbed by its activities.
All around the house you will see the lovely pottery jars (pithari πιθαρι) that were used to make the wine- with some big enough to have 2 people inside- and indeed on this site there is evidence of wine making going back over 3,000 years-there is much archaeology just lying on the surface of the fields you now it was a busy place.
The front of the house ,where you see the best view on its classical venetian shape and style , also is a great place to relax with a mature lime tree (tillia) for shade. And views down the valleys.
The area around Glossa is perfect for walking, swimming ,sightseeing and of course just relaxing and Ayia Triada is the perfect base to experience the traditions and the nature of this lovely unspoiled place.
