The Grapevine House
It’s all about the experience, the memories, the dreams.
Welcome to The Grapevine House in Aegina!
The property has 2 houses, the main house and the guest house. It is situated on the periphery of the port / town of Aegina, in an old orchard with truly old vines, some lemon, fig and pomegranate trees as well as many flowers, all on a plot of land with about 50 pistachio trees and 14 olive trees.
It is a place to share, to inspire, to experience in many different ways, all year round. Spending time in the Grapevine House, you will discover the island of Aegina in a slightly different light, meet some of its inhabitants and take part in as many projects and activities relating to art and crafts.
Both houses, that is yours and ours, share the Orchard: its many trees, its patios, its external oven. There is privacy, there is also sharing. Sharing of a meal, sharing of a workshop, for we love to cook and eat together, and we also love to share our knowledge through the workshops and retreats we organise. You will be able to enjoy many different crafts and activities: from making clay objects and feeling the freedom and pleasure of playing with colours on paper and canvas to following and participating inthe process of olive picking from beginning to end (if you come in November); learning how to make handmade soap; letting go of the fear of the blank page by taking part in a creative writing workshop; planning which trails to embark on, enjoying an art show in the grounds and around town…
The list of activities is as long as you want it to be.
A little more on The Grapevine House
The Grapevine house is about 1.5 km from the port and town of Aegina. You can easily walk to the centre, its shops, bars and restaurants. If you come with a car or decide to rent one, you can park it in the property.
This charming 80 m2 guest house offers a unique experience with its intriguing features and rich heritage. It has its own little history: it was built in the mid-late 19th century and belonged to the great-grandfather of the current landlord and, interestingly, it is believed that Saint Nectarios of Aegina, the island's patron saint and renowned healer, stayed in this very house during his initial visit in the early 20th century.
As soon as we got the house back in 2023, we were very clear that we would fix it and redecorate it making sure we would keep all of its history visible and alive, while at the same time creating a space that would welcome any 21st century traveller. We only got rid of elements that were obviously not original and not wroth keeping. We cleaned, sanded, painted the walls, the floors and the furniture, carefully choosing materials and colours. As you explore the house, you'll notice a mix of furniture that tells its own story. Some pieces have been cherished and passed down through generations, while others have been lovingly restored by us. The eclectic blend of furnishings adds a sense of personal touch to which we have added objects from our travels, books, paintings and more, thus adding elements of our own history and marrying different times and aesthetics.
In the past, bathrooms and kitchens were separate from the main house. This explains their small size, as they were incorporated into the main structure quite a bit later. Unique and local historical touches like this one serve as a reminder of the evolution of living spaces over time - indeed, old houses and buildings have a way of telling the history of the place, of architecture and of the families and people who have passed through. The house as it stands today is proof of the owners' dedication to preserving its character and history. Our challenge when taking on the house and redecorating was to keep this visible, while adding our own touches.
The main, double bedroom has an original painted ceiling - a simple design that adds an undeniable touch of elegance and character. The room also boasts its original wooden floor, that we have recently painted an ochre colour present throughout the house, offering a deliciously warm feeling. The living room is spacious enough to also house the dining table, as well as the unique, old wooden grape press embedded in the wall. This antique feature, which belongs to the family who have owned the house ever since it was built, serves as a reminder of the island's rich agricultural history, adding a slightly rustic charm to the space. Relax in this cozy living area and let your imagination wander as you contemplate the stories and traditions associated with this press, a black and white protrait of a family member among some of the objects around. The kitchen is small but fully equipped with everything you need to make tea, coffee and prepare delicious meals. The bathroom, which is accessible through the kitchen, is also small but has all you need.
The house also has a courtyard and shared access to garden and the sitting areas as well as the use of a hammock.
Through the Grapevine House has many different corners, inside and outdoors, to choose from in order to relax, depending on the time of day.
Ideal for couples with or without kids, for up to 4 friends travelling together or a solo traveller. Whether you're looking for an artistic or any other kind of retreat, a place to gather your thoughts or a safe, relaxing vacation environment surrounded by nature, our guest house might just be the perfect fit.
