A complete structural and architectural transformation of a century-old seaside house.
Neraki Villa is the result of a deep, technically demanding renovation of a nearly 100-year-old stone house, reimagined from the ground up to meet modern standards of comfort, safety, and performance — while preserving and elevating its original character.
This project went far beyond a surface renovation. The existing structure was stripped back to its core, allowing us to redesign the house both structurally and spatially.
Structural transformation & engineering works
The entire roof was demolished ,and the building’s height was increased through a newly engineered solution. A reinforced concrete ring beam was constructed to carry the new loads, providing seismic stability and long-term structural integrity. On this new structural base, a visible wooden roof was installed, becoming a defining architectural element of the interior.
All interior walls were demolished, giving way to a completely new layout designed for clarity, natural light, and functional flow.
In addition, two exterior walls originally built from brick were removed and reconstructed in natural stone, allowing the bedrooms to feature authentic exposed stone walls that reconnect the interior with the building’s heritage.
An attic level was also constructed, expanding the usable space while maintaining visual lightness through exposed timber elements and carefully proportioned openings.
Architecture & materials
The interior combines restraint with craftsmanship. Large-format 120 × 120 cm floor tiles unify the spaces, enhancing the sense of openness and continuity. Exposed wooden beams and the visible timber roof structure introduce warmth and texture, creating a balanced dialogue between stone, wood, and contemporary finishes.
The house features a high-end custom kitchen, designed for both daily living and hosting, as well as two fully renovated bathrooms, finished with premium materials, refined lighting, and minimal detailing.
Stonework & exterior restoration
Special attention was given to the existing stone facades. The exterior walls underwent a complete stone restoration process, including the removal of deteriorated joints and their replacement using traditional techniques combined with modern tools. This required high stonework expertise ensuring durability while restoring the original depth, texture, and rhythm of the masonry.
The entire exterior space, including the yard, veranda, and staircase, was paved with Karystos stone, seamlessly extending the natural material palette from the house into the landscape.
Windows & openings
All windows of Neraki Villa were fully replaced with new, custom-made wooden frames, combining traditional aesthetics with modern performance. While their appearance respects the original architectural language of the house, the technology behind them is cutting-edge. The windows are double-glazed, energy-efficient , and designed to provide excellent thermal insulation, acoustic comfort, and airtightness — a critical upgrade for a seaside environment. This careful balance allows the house to maintain its historic character while meeting contemporary standards of energy efficiency and comfort.
Outdoor living & amenities
Neraki Villa enjoys a truly rare privilege: direct access to a private beach and pier, allowing the property to function as a secluded seaside retreat.
For security and peace of mind, the house is equipped with:
- State-of-the-art camera and alarm systems
- Automatic remote-controlled entrance gate
Garden & landscape design
The surrounding garden was fully redesigned and reconstructed, transforming the exterior into a calm, cohesive extension of the house. New planting was carefully selected and positioned to enhance privacy, frame views toward the sea, and integrate the building naturally into its landscape. Stone paths, soft lighting, and greenery work together to create a layered outdoor environment that feels mature, balanced, and timeless. The result is an exterior space that complements the architecture rather than competing with it — understated, functional, and deeply connected to its setting.
A dialogue between past and present
This project stands as an example of how heritage structures can be respectfully transformed through precise engineering, architectural clarity, and uncompromising craftsmanship. Neraki Villa retains the soul of a century-old stone house — while offering the performance, comfort, and spatial quality of a contemporary residence.
