East Mani Villa Lithos, a historic architectural gem

In a Flash

Experiencing the fantastic region of Mani in the Pelloponese while staying at Villa Lithos is one opportunity you certainly should not miss out on. As words cannot do justice to this very special villa, we strongly advise having a look at the photos depicting the property before reading this text. This superb Greek holiday villa is one of just a few rare gems in Greece that have been meticulously restored by utilising local materials and historical building methods & interior designed to offer all modern amenities, while charmingly retaining their authentic and very impressive historical features.

The main house is a remarkably unique listed two-storey 18th century historical building. This 150sqm. space has been converted into two independent homes , which you can also enjoy as one unified villa, that can comfortably accommodate 8-10 people. The property includes several historical buildings, surrounded by a garden of olive trees, carob trees and prickly pears. You will even find a cave within the property’s limits. To the East, the yard also abuts a 16th century tower. Just below that, you will find a Byzantine chapel with 12th century frescoes, to top it all off.  Parts of the overall property therefore date back close to one millenium.

Modern ecological features such as rainwater harvesting and an eco-friendly waste disposal system for irrigation have been added, in order to ensure this villa is in absolute harmony and equilibrium with the surrounding environment. An ideal choice for those seeking a superior accommodation experience in comfort and style, coupled with absolute privacy and total relaxation.

Interior

Villa Lithos consists of two independent living spaces that you can also enjoy as one unified villa. The whole stone tower house was renovated and extended by the architect Elena Zervoudakis, who went at great length to fully preserve the building’s traditional elements and combine them with minimalist modern design features in order for Villa Lithos to emit feelings of serenity, peace, and primordial spirit.

The allocation of spaces is as unique and idiosyncratic as the property itself, and was formed in an effort to pay absolute respect to the authentic historical features that originally existed in the villa. The lower ground level part, traditionally called ‘Katoi’ in Greek, can comfortably accommodate 4-5 people, while the upper level part, called ‘Anoi’ another 4-5 people.

Katoi

On the lower level you will find a bedroom with a double bed & a single bed. A wooden ladder leads to a loft, which includes a double mattress, that can comfortably accommodate two more people. A half-height separating wall isolates the bedroom from an open closet. Beyond it you will find the bathroom. A wooden staircase leads you to the middle level, where you will find the living room and the kitchen.

The living room is an open space with large pillows, which could also be converted into a sleeping area, with a double and a single bed. The kitchen is a free-standing, fully equipped island. The kitchen also boasts a wooden dining table that can seat 6-10 people, and a stove with a wood-burning oven!

Anoi

The upper part of Villa Lithos, or ‘Anoi’ follows the same strikingly impressive style and design as the Katoi. A staircase leads to this third level from the Katoi, which can be isolated from the other two levels if needed, in order for it to be totally independent. It consists of a sitting room boasting its own fireplace and a sofa, that can also be used as a double bed. The Anoi also includes an open plan fully-equipped kitchen, a loft with a single bed, a double bedroom and a bathroom, with shower.

Exterior

Villa Lithos is built into the slope, and thus evolves over 3 levels. Each level offers direct access to the exterior sitting spaces, the garden, and the verandas. The garden includes olive trees, rock formations and a cave, all just 200 meters from the village parking facilities.

The lower level of the Katoi has access to the exterior side facing west, and the middle level has access to both the east and the west exterior sides of the mansion. The central veranda on the west side also boasts an open-air kitchen with a marble sink, a BBQ, and a big wooden table to enjoy an outdoor feast, cocktails, drinks, or some wine in absolute style. The small balcony on the east side is ideal to enjoy breakfast on, all under the shadow of the historical tower and the trees. It also provides access to the garden, complete with a hammock to perfectly enjoy in total relaxation and unison with the surrounding environment, and a carob tree.

The Anoi offers access to the exterior on both sides, boasting fantastic views towards the sea. The western yard offers a shady refuge under the trees. The east yard below the heavy rocks, offers a magnificent view to the sea and Kotronas Bay below.

Whereabouts

Villa Lithos is located in ‘Exo Nyfi’, a traditional stone-built village comprised of authentic stone towers, in the eastern part of Mani on the Pelloponese peninsula. The villa offers fantastic views over the olive groves and the blue sea beyond, which is literally only a 5-minute drive away. Exo Nyfi is a superb choice to utilise as a point from which to explore and discover this outstandingly unique region of Greece, where beauty, history, and an impressive gastronomy converge to offer you what many have described as a special holidaying experience to be cherished for years to come.

The region offers a myriad of choices when it comes to visiting historical sites, as you will be able to visit anything from ancient ruins dating back to the times of classical Greece, to medieval castles, Byzantine monuments, churches and beyond. The natural landscape is unparalleled globally, characterised by rocky hills, mountains, canyons and caves, which you can visit via a number of hiking trails. Definitely check out the Diros caves if that sort of thing tickles your fancy.

The intense green olive groves and the wild vegetation lead all the way down, meeting the azure blue sea, forming fantastic beaches and rocky shores.  It is thus perfectly understandable why John Cassavetes selected Exo Nyfi as the filming location for the classic movie ‘The Tempest’!

Experience Mani

A wide range of colourful activities is available in the wider region. You could enjoy fantastic sightseeing trips bound to charm even the most demanding of visitors, winery tours, histotical excursions, hiking, climbing, caving, mountain biking and off course swimming in the organised as well as the many secluded intensely beautiful beaches and small coves available in the area.

Last but certainly not least, there is the local gastronomy! Needless to say more, as the dishes will tell it all. Make sure you certainly have a taste of the authentic and traditional local dishes available. Freshly prepared utilising locally sourced ingredients, like fresh herbs, locally grown seasonal vegetables, pure honey, finest quality meat, all topped by the region’s internationally renowned superior quality virgin olive oil, these local dishes will also form a central part of the overall experience of visiting this remarkable part of the world.

Access

Guests will enjoy complete and exclusive access to all areas of the villa, its private terraces and outdoor spaces, during their stay.

You can therefore choose to relax indoors or outdoors and enjoy the fantastic views in full comfort and privacy, at any time.

Host Availability

Choosing to spend your holidays here is all about enjoying your vacation. We will be therefore welcome you on check in and give you all the information you might need.

If you need anything else throughout your stay, please do not hesitate to ask! 🙂

During your stay, a host will be available if and when needed.

We appreciate privacy and discretion as well-sought ingredients for relaxing and memorable holidays.

Directions & Getting Around

We strongly recommend using a vehicle, rented or privately-owned, to enjoy the East Mani Peninsula to its fullest potential.

Taxis could also be utilised, though may be scarce at times during specific parts of the season. In general, enjoying full travel independence either way, is a known ingredient in order to have a fantastic time in the Peloponnese.

Distances

• Kitta Towers: 36km
• Caves Of Diros: 27km
• Gerolimenas beach: 27km
•  Agios Kiprianos 9km
• Kotrona Beach: 13km
• Archaeological site Egila: 1.2km
• Ampelo Beach 10km
• Cape Matapan: 25.5km
• Castle of Achilleio: 23km

Extra Features:

• Outdoor seating areas & dining area
• Outdoor Kitchen & BBQ facilities
• Outdoor Shower

Important Notes

• We would kindly ask that you respect the neighbours at all times. We urge your attention to the following ‘quiet hours’ enforced by law; during which you must pay special attention; so that there is no disturbing or excessive noise coming from the accommodation:
  • Summer quiet hours (Apr.1-Sep30): 3PM-5.30PM & 11PM-7AM
  • Winter quiet hours (Oct.1-Mar.31): 3.30PM-5.30PM & 10PM-7.30AM
• Upon arrival guests must display a valid form of identification (ID or passport). Also, a short-term rental agreement must be signed as required by current Greek law under the Greek taxation system. Guests will not be able to check in if this requirement is not satisfied.
• This accommodation’s refurbishment and interior design was constructed utilising the finest materials. We expect you to respect it accordingly. Any damages will incur the relevant charges. In case these are not covered by the deposit held, additional charges will be claimed.
• A range of services can also be arranged on request: Daily cleaning and/or cooking staff, assistance regarding use of the facilities, Transportation & Chauffeur Services, Boat Charters and Trips and other Tailor Made Services. Please just ask.
• Due to the layout of the property Villa Lithos can be rented out as two independent holiday homes: Casa Anoi and Casa Katoi.

Booking Notes:

• A refundable security deposit (200€) is needed in cash upon arrival, returned upon
• Prices includes electricity 40kw/day and water 50lt/person/day
• Internet is available upon request
• Prices quoted are for 8 guests. For extra guests there is a charge of 20€/night/guest, maximum capacity 10 guests.
• Upon booking confirmation, you will receive a detailed email with
  • all the necessary information (e.g. exact address/location of the property)
  • the contact information of your host in East Mani.
• Prices are subject to change.
• Final price and availability are subject to confirmation.
• For Cancellations and Refund Policies please read here.

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