❤ A Gem of Local, Stone-Built Architecture in the Village of Pahiorahi, Aegina, Greece, in Search of New Owners

Aegina: Just forty five minutes away from the port of Piraeus by flying dolphin, Aegina, the queen of the Saronic gulf, stands supreme.

Bathed in exquisite light all year round, the island of Aegina has over the years become a beloved sanctuary and workshop for artists, poets, and authors – including renowned Nikos Kazantzakis, author of “Zorbas the Greek” – as well as architects and musicians of Greek and international origin.

One of the oldest settlements of the island, the picturesque village of Pahiorahi, is located near Mount Oros. With its beautiful stone-built houses, the village is a gem of local architecture, preserving a humane living scale.

No cars are allowed in the village; a small parking lot at the village’s entrance is where one parts with their vehicle to continue on foot.

As one walks, breathtaking views are revealed of the ancient olive grove, the Elaionas, down the mountain, and the Saronic sea further away.

The village boasts two churches, and its former school serves these days as a cultural center where locals meet to discuss the protection, preservation and smooth functioning of the village all year round.

Once, there was a little cafe/local store, serving wine, coffee, ouzo and mezedes which today stands empty. However, locals always dream of reopening the cafe for light refreshments to locals and visitors who come from all over Greece and abroad, often towards a hike at the ancient olive grove, Elaionas.

Artist Kalliopi Kopanitsa, the property’s owner, recounts how her father Dimitris Kopanitsas bought the property in 1977. It comprises  2,735 square meters of land and a full complex of buildings including a 104,75 square meter stone house, as well as a restored wine press of 38,53 square meters. There is one more roofless stone building that can be restored.

“My father,” Kalliopi recalls, “was someone who looked ahead and could see the potential of the village when it was virtually unknown.”

Kalliopi remembers spending many winter, easter and summer holidays in Pahiorahi with her ex-husband, Dimitris Diamantopulos, a distinguished architect, and family.

The couple would also entertain guests at the property.

My mother Elda Nahmia still holds dear memories of the house. Elda remembers an unforgettable experience of my father Iakovos and herself sleeping in one of the rooms, lit by a fireplace.

All the structures are surrounded by landscaped and paved outdoor spaces, with stone seating areas, a threshing floor, a pergola, and plantings, including lemon, fig trees and rosemary bushes.

The buildings are historic and quaint, but they provide all modern amenities on the grid: electricity and running water; as well as septic sewage and two water tanks for collecting rainwater.

“I would like this house to be bought by someone who appreciates its authentic beauty; someone who is eager to preserve and highlight it,” says Kalliopi. “I don’t mind whether the buyer is a Greek or from abroad. I would be very happy if the family, or families purchasing it, preserve and safeguard its special features for the next generations to enjoy as well” Kalliopi tells me as she points out the sweeping 360 degree vista to the sea and the surounding islands from her terrace.

To arrange for a visit to this unique property, a gem of local, stone-built architecture in Pahiorahi, Aegina, Greece and for further information regarding its availability for purchase, please reach out to me here or on facebook and I will be happy to share more details.