Nisyros Stone Villa Melani in the Dodecanese

In a Flash

Villa Melani is a true historic 19^th century architectural gem, and a fantastic holiday villa, all in one. It can comfortably accommodate 4 (+2) people in its combined 105sqm. spaces. Perched on the rim of the Nisyros Caldera, Villa Melani offers superior quality accommodation in total relaxation. It is an ideal choice wishing to become part of the well-known Greek Island summer life, vibe and relaxed mentality, all in a charmingly traditional setting.

The owner, an architect with a postgraduate degree in the restoration of historic buildings, has been awarded the Europa Nostra Prize for the restoration of the ancient fortification of the Nisyros Acropolis, dated back to the 5^th century B.C. Luckily, she also designed this landmark property, due to become a reference point for those with an eye for quality, beauty and design visiting the island of Nisyros.

Interior

Villa Melani has been restored and interior designed with absolute respect for its authentic architectural form and its historically artistic features. Fusing traditional elements and textures with a modern minimal design, it has been decorated utilising white and earth tones. The result is a fully contemporary holiday villa complete with all modern amenities, which still skillfully succeeds in paying absolute respect to the local traditional architecture and style.

Interior – ground floor

This two-storey holiday villa is in fact two independent holiday homes that can be enjoyed as one villa in itself, by those lucky enough to have been able to book this unique property early on – as demand is high! The ground floor of the villa is an open plan 60sq.m. holiday home, and has direct access from the street level via a few steps. The sitting and sleeping areas have been skillfully combined, allowing an extra guest to sleep on the comfortable builtin corner sofa.

The kitchen is fully equipped and offers all modern amenities, and the dining area is where the old wood-fired oven was, which has been preserved as well. The spacious sculpture-like bathroom features built-in shelves, a polished cement shower unit, travertine sinks, an inox shower, and sink faucets. It is a lovely unique space, full of historical charm, and stories.

Originally, it was a semi-sheltered space under the yard, which occured after preserving the built stone stairway which used to connect the two floors. The cavities in the oven, where wood and food were once inserted, are still visible. As is the opening of the underground cistern that once filled with rainwater during the winter, which you can still hear running! An authentic living experience in every sense of the word.

Interior – first floor

The first floor of the villa, is another 45sqm. independent holiday home, which also offers guests direct access from the street level, via the private courtyard. It features a built-in corner sofa with a fireplace. The corner sofa can also be used as a sleeping space for one more person. The view of the Aegean Sea and the infinite blue beyond through its low windows, is breathtaking in every sense. The bedroom space has a double mattress and is our favourite, as it is located on a wooden loft and boasts a magnificent views of the sea through a small window, almost at floor level.

The kitchen includes a dining table and is fully equipped with all modern amenities. It has views over the yard and the natural environment outdoors. Between the kitchen and the loft there are some built-in shelves, storage spaces, and a wooden solid cupboard for your convenience. The bathroom, with its built-in shelves and polished cement shower unit, is lit up via a skylight. It boasts has travertine sinks as well as inox shower and sink faucets and is also an interesting fusion of past & present style & design.

Exterior

The landscape surrounding the whole property has been awarded with the “2016 Best Landscape Design”. Getting there, you will get of full sense of why this is so. Let’s just say that it radiates simple natural beauty, and elegance in its simplest, purest form.

The outdoor space can be best described as the natural continuation of the interior space. It artfully blends into the surrounding stone-built environment and has been laid out in levels, featuring built-in lounges and a dining area, all under the protective shade of a huge almond tree.

There are numerous aloe vera, lavender and thyme flower beds, making the yard feel at one with the surrounding natural landscape, while the view of the Aegean Sea beyond is simply breathtaking.

Whereabouts

Villa Melani is located on the round volcanic island of Nisyros, positioned near Kos and Tilos, and is clearly one of the most well-kept secret destinations of the Dodecanese island complex in the Aegean Sea. Nisyros has managed to somehow remain untouched by mass tourism. Instead it has been a prime choice by artisans and intellectuals, thus retaining its quaint traditional character in every sense.

Nisyros is an island that boasts numerous unspoilt beaches, superb landscapes and unique walking paths, which people travel from across the globe to visit. It is a small island (only 8km of diameter) and is home to the youngest volcano in Greece (160.000 years old) that is still active today. The last eruption occurred in 1888.

The larger crater, named ‘Stefanos’, is in fact so hot that rubber shoes may even slightly ‘melt’ on visiting it. The result of the volcanic activity is a set of unique and breathtaking geological formations (rock formations and distinctive fossils), a fertile soil, high trees and vegetation all year round. It is no surprise then, that Nisyros is part of the Natura 2000 program, which was created as a means to protect and preserve natural wildlife and uniquely exceptional ecosystems across Europe.

According to Greek mythology, during the period of the ‘Gigantomachy’ (clash of the Giants/Titans), Poseidon (the god of the sea) cut off a part of Kos and in a furious tantrum threw it at the giant Polivotis, with the intention of killing him. This rock, which did indeed crush the giant, became Nisyros. Legend says that the half-dead giant shakes the earth every now and then with his groans, thus awakening the volcano.

Villa Melani is strategically located in the center of the island in a picturesque preserved traditional village, part of the rim of the Nisyros Caldera. The specific village of Emporios is protected by the ministry of Culture, as it is home to the ruins of a medieval Castle. A natural sauna in a cave is also located at the entrance of the village!

Access

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

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 island of Nisyros 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 Nisyros.

Distances

• Nisyros Volcanos/3 craters Alexandros, Stefanos & Little Polyvotis: 5.5-6km
• Paleokastro (Ancient Acropolis of Nisyros): 11.8km
• Venetian Castle: 9km
• Virgin Mary of the Cave Monastery: 89km
• Archeological Museum: 9km
• Volcanologic Museum: 6km
• Lies Beach 8km
• Pali Beach: 6km
• Nisyros Hot Springs: 7.5km
• Mandraki Port, Nisyros: 8.9km
• Kos International Airport “Hippocrates”: 22km
• Kalymnos National Airport: 45km
• Astypalaia Island National Airport: 71km

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 Villa Melani, each floor can be rented out separately as Casa Stone and Casa Nisyros.

Booking Notes

• The security deposit is handed in cash upon arrival and is return in cash upon departure.
• 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 on the island of Nisyros.
• 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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