Hydra Hideaway

Dreamy Gypset Hideaway epitomizes the chic, flawless nonchalance of Hydra.

We stumbled upon this Spitaki, or little Greek house, built in 1896, when it was a ruin. Enchanted, we renovated it with local craftsmen, preserving the original features.The home is a repository for our travels across Greece, the Balkans and Mediterranean. It combines Eastern and Western aesthetics like the sumptuous low sofa, Moroccan rugs and antiques from remote, northern Greece; all with stunning sea views.

Gypset hideaway is a testament to Mediterranean simplicity, which is the best form of magnificence.The stark white washed walls are dotted by baby blue windows, offering picturesque views of Hydra. The home is perched on a quiet, but centrally located corner of the island, with a garden, secret courtyard and terrace with panoramic sea and mountain views.Once guests ascend the steps and open our double doors they find a private courtyard scented with Jasmine and Bougainvillea. The home is built in an L shape around the courtyard, which connects the kitchen, living spaces, terrace and bathroom. This is the classic form of Hydra village homes. We left the bathroom outside to preserve the traditional style.The spiral staircase opens up to our dreamy terrace that floats above Hydra's town, giving unencumbered sea and mountain views. The terrace is secure but NO PARTIES on top. It's best for reading, sunbathing or musing.

The two bedrooms converge on a central room with a large wooden beamed ceiling and a sumptuous Divan, or low sofa, the kind that once dotted the homes of daring Pashas and sea captains. The severity of the rooms is offset with rich Moroccan and Jordanian rugs, and antique furniture. The living room sofa sleeps one easily, and can snuggly fit two.The kitchen is accessed directly through the courtyard or second bedroom. We kept the original painted cement tiles and added marble from the Peloponnese. Our Greek farmhouse cabinet is stocked with everything you need to whip up an al fresco dinner or brew an early morning Greek coffee.The house is a 10-15 minute walk from the port along one of Hydra's main roads. Although it's on an incline it benefits from having no steps until you reach the entrance.