A2 Architects renovated a villa in Finikia, a charming neighborhood of Oia, Santorini, dating back to the early medieval settlements of the island. Nestled among white-washed cave houses and churches, the house has a view of the vineyards and the sea. It was originally built in 1870 and it served as a wine press and residence. Wooden doors open from the local footpath into the cobblestone courtyard and the entrance of the main house. The old kanava (i.e. old winery) was joined carefully with the areas of the residence and transformed into a big, open plan living-dining room with a kitchen.
Next to the main area of the kanava, a hall leads to the two bedrooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom has access to the yard, while the second bedroom is smaller and cozy, with a unique lighting and atmosphere. As the yard is located at the higher level of the main footpath, offers views to the village and the sea. At the lower level, the “rakidio”, the old grapes storage room and the old “sterna”, the water storage basin, were connected into a separate independent suite. The traditional architectural elements of the original house, such as the vaulted ceilings and small openings, were preserved and combined with modern elements.
