The terrestrial beauty of a rustic-chic Airbnb
While we discuss on what adds value to the Greek tourist product, some people and some platforms (like Airbnb), without even involving themselves in the debate, prepare the ground for the future.
“Prespa Lakes, for instance, could even become the best resort in Europe, what we need to realize is that such places got to have good bones, yes, and need to have great people who can built on those bones to transform a place into an experience. The most memorable accommodations after all, are also about creativity, experimentation and innovation.”
There are many beautiful lodgings offering the services of doze and nourishment, as well as leaving you uncommonly refreshed. Accordingly, an Airbnb country house can bring a jolt of freshness, being converted into a quixotic set for getting to know a whole new far-flung world in Greece, Prespes. At the northern tip of Prespa Lakes, those looking for characterful small guesthouses, drive all the way up to Oxya (an off-the-tourist map Macedonian hamlet), to discover a serene and beautiful designed hideaway. The property sits just 5 minutes away from Small Prespa Lake. This cottage housed team SteMajourneys for more than once since 2015. Having a deep sense of this place as its returning guests and being accustomed with this Airbnb, we ought to treat it as something more than a rental. Indulge into the wisdom of Macedonian architecture. Secluded, unique and intimate: time spent deep in this mesmerizing lodge is surely unequalled by anywhere else in the country. Set in the natural paradise, which surrounds Prespa National Park, the property marries rustic with modern, scattered among beech trees. Sitting on its patio drinking a glass of wine, you can watch birds glide gracefully overhead or even spot a bear grazing just outside its grounds.
Originally built in 1920s, was lovingly and painstakingly restored in 2014 by Myrto Miliou (a Greek architect, who gave the property an architectural facelift and also owns the place. This mansion is perfect for well-travelled guests and in-the-know rovers, who would be interested in indulging into the soul of a destination rich in history and culture. Even if it meets all the comfort standards, this Airbnb’s value cannot be measured in square meters and facilities. What makes it truly unique is the fact that it was restored to show off its original Macedonian features. The design by Myrto Miliou herself is based on the notion of reviving the traditional constructions of the Western Macedonian mud-houses, also known as the forgotten villages, the so-called “Koresteia” (the mud-brick house constructions, is a way of structure that was maintained until the middle of the 20th century).
The building itself - undergone something of a transformation with local craftsmen who casted-off native resources. Though faithful to vernacular architecture, the guesthouse has also a light, contemporary feel. Considered and chiseled down to the tiniest details: from the play of a beguiling blend of rustic charm to a sophisticated comfort.
Resembling an English countryside cottage, where horses are on a wild run and a group of sheepdogs guarding the land, this is an imposing robust old stone-house embodied with charming wooden floors (and a riveted wooden door). Inside, there is a single common space that is arranged to play the multiple roles of dorm, kitchenette and lounge, underscored by a concrete bathroom (in a separate room, which bolsters its overall character).
Adorned with antiques and vintage furniture that nod to its Macedonian heritage, the interiors draw their aesthetic inspiration from Moroccan and Scandinavian design in a palette of terracotta tones, mixed with scores of items to delve into: Swedish chalet-style deco. The social heart of the house is an oblong monastery-type oak table where like-minded souls, often with rosy cheeks from exteriors in the rugged mountain air, meet. The rustic atmosphere, with the sweeping green views and climbing beech trees feels somehow more innocence to the setting. Apart from all the necessary amenities (from heaters to WiFi connection), you can also find plenty of space to park right outside the property.
Following an overall winterish ambience, the guesthouse is ideal for cocooning (when a fire is continuously burning), while it has a veranda with a rocking view, stretched on the paved courtyard just in front of the house, perfect for reading a book or gazing of the surrounding peaks and the hushed valley of beech trees. Finally, this cabin is designed for young couples and families who are seeking tranquility and at the same time want to hit the road anytime, hike innumerous paths and follow mountain cycling routes.
For holidaying next to Pindos’ bears, kick things off by checking into this Airbnb, an accommodation fully-integrated with Prespian nature. the guesthouse, like a faithful guard or a vigilant eye over a secret spot, is practically the perfect place to hide from the rest of the world.
EXTRA TIP
Ask for some fresh breakfast eggs from the neighbor.
(tel. 0030-23850-45942)