Haropi House

Family house for sale in Chora

This spacious house was built in 1995 to the current owners’ design and specification. It is situated in 750 square metres of land overlooking the South West bays of Alonissos. The house faces south providing wonderful views of Skopelos and, on most days, Evia in the distance. To the east the view includes more islands: the Two Brothers and Skantzoura. The house itself has been beautifully maintained and extended by the owners. Below the house, the large, natural garden of citrus and olive trees blends beautifully into the mountainside.

The house is on the very southern edge of Chora, on a bend in the road down to two beaches – both easily walkable (about 15 - 20 minutes). One is tiny, hard to find and secluded. The other is larger, with three tavernas and safe swimming.

The house, covered terrace and outside kitchen provide over 100 square metres of living space. In addition, a huge top terrace provides additional space for sun-bathing, evening drinks, or just taking in the fantastic sea view.

The house is to be sold fully furnished with traditional furniture made especially for the house. This is a most attractive, high quality family home. It has been built in traditional Greek style and materials – earthquake-proof reinforced concrete frame under a timber and tiled roof, with white-plastered brick walls and wooden-shuttered windows. It has been exceptionally well maintained, so that one can live comfortably in the heat of summer, but also in cooler days in spring and autumn.

The middle and lower terraces, and the living room and kitchen floors, are beautifully laid with traditional rectangular-cut stone (plaka). The bedroom and shower rooms are laid with ceramic tiles throughout. The wooden balustrading around the outside terraces is made from solid Iroko wood.

The middle-floor terrace provides an excellent area for entertaining. Here one can be comfortable at any time, both shaded from the sun or right out in the heat, if that’s what you prefer – and always looking out to sea. Inside, the house stays remarkably cool in the heat of the summer and warm in the cooler months.

The present owners are keen cooks thus the house has the benefit of two kitchens – one inside and one outside. They are beautifully appointed and provide excellent preparation and cooking space for a keen cook. The inside kitchen has an Italian ceramic sink surrounded by work surfaces laid with French blue tiles. There is a range of purpose-built, traditional kitchen cupboards.

The outside kitchen is built around a large English Belfast sink with space for a surface-level gas cooker. Underneath the four large granite work surfaces there is ample storage for cooking and cleaning equipment.

Although time generally is spent outdoors, the living room is large enough to be comfortable on cooler days. The traditional corner Alonissos fireplace has been fitted with a ‘throat’ to prevent smoking fires. There is also a dining area with pine furniture.

In the large master bedroom one can lie in the super-king sized bed (2.1m x 1.9m) and look out over wonderful sea views. This is a lovely airy room with open beamed ceiling and gives a fantastic sense of height and space. The double wardrobe, bedside cabinets and large chest of drawers provide a lot of storage for clothes and linen.

A built-in air conditioning unit provides essential cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

The en-suite shower room is spacious and thoughtfully fitted.

Outside the bedroom is an extensive, south-facing terrace which looks over the bays and out towards Skopelos and Evia – a wonderful place for breakfast or for evening drinks. This is most definitely a feature of this house.

The second bedroom (on the ground floor) is cool and big enough for two single beds, a fitted wardrobe, two bedside cabinets and a large storage chest. Just outside this bedroom is the downstairs cloakroom, with shower, WC, and wash basin.

The large, interesting garden has been designed to be natural and can be left for long periods without maintenance. It is planted with citrus and olive trees. Other planting includes Mediterranean oleanders, agaves, lavenders and herbs. A large Carob tree protects, and gives a sense of privacy to the East side of the house.

In the garden-level storeroom a washing machine has been plumbed in and there is a sizeable workbench and storage area.. The other, open store is useful for garden equipment. A wood store with a lockable door has been made beneath the outside steps. The property has two water storage tanks, one 16m3 for mains water and the other 7m3 for rain water.

The concrete drive has space for two cars.

On the west side of the house is an area of land, of approximately 300 square metres, which would be suitable for an extension, a swimming pool, or to build another house. This area, which also faces the sea, and has the same stunning views as the house itself.

To sum up. An excellent well designed and maintained family house. Large gardens with room for extension or pool if desired. Having the benefit of mains facilities plus telephone. Easy walking distance from beaches, the Chora and Patitiri. Sold fully fitted and furnished.