Description

At Home in Greece

An inspirational collection of homes, from the one-room cubic Cycladic houses that inspired Le Corbusier to imposing Venetian towers and houses integrated into the surrounding rocks. Invaded over the centuries by Romans, Venetians, and Turks—and now tourists—Greece has always managed to retain its distinctive qualities. Julia Klimi’s stunning photographs of domestic interiors, specially taken over a period of several years, capture the quintessential Greek style, while pointing out rich regional variations. Outside spaces, many with views of the sea, are also featured, from verandas merging into swimming pools and shaded marble paths leading to secret gardens, to courtyards surrounded by olive trees—all suffused with the astonishing light of the eastern Mediterranean. Thirty-five houses are featured in eight geographical sections: The Dodecanese (Rhodes, Symi, Astypalaia, Patmos); Crete; The Cyclades (Santorini, Serifos, Paros, Mykonos, Tinos); The Saronic Islands (Hydra, Spetses); The Ionian Islands (Corfu); The Peloponnese (Monemvasia, Arkadia); Athens; and The Mainland (Pelion, Zagorohoria, Metsovo). The stories of the people who have lovingly restored these homes are also told. Some have created contemporary interiors with reinforced concrete, brick, and iron, while others have used entirely traditional materials and methods. Unlike previous attempts to capture the Greek style, this book provides an insider’s unique view. 466 color illustrations.