Take a walk with me down the streets of
Originally a 1930’s home that witnessed the evolution of its surroundings, Esperinos came to life when the clients saw an opportunity to transform the neglected house into a bed and breakfast attraction. Michael, a sociologist turned designer and curator, envisioned the house to function as a gallery alongside the hospitality purpose. This proposal lead to a removal of existing partitions of the typical domestic house plan, with walls only to separate the kitchen and dining from the lounge space. For additional natural light, two windows are built on the side of the building to create depth between external and internal environments. These windows transport guests towards the stepped garden of rustling greens and shadows formed from the glistening sun. The backyard is also accessible from winding path found from the entrance.
Esperinos operates as a gallery under Michael’s Grace Foundation. Closed for short stays between November to April, the guest house becomes an exhibition of works created by local contemporary artists mainly displayed in the expanded living area. Towards the back is a vintage tiled landing and black staircase that leads up to a mezzanine made for a single king bed. From the makeshift upper storey with a balustrade made of ‘geometric cut-outs inspired by Athenian post-modernism’, guests are privy to a view of the artworks presented along with selected furniture pieces such as
Such selection of furniture pieces is instrumental in unifying the material and colour aesthetic of Esperinos. As the architecture shell is maintained of the traditional Greek material of stone, Michael introduces a mismatch of
Duck blue envelops the external façade, contrasting nicely against the striking terracotta tiles and custom yellow window frames. With sudden eye-catching black accents anchored by the staircases and adjustable shelves and furniture pieces, each moment framed within Esperinos feels like a still captured by Edward Hopper.
A house made into a multifaceted architecture, Esperinos is nuanced with overflowing emotions thoughtfully pieced together, making the short stay evocative and atmospheric. Too bad that we can’t stay here for too long!
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