Historical charm, combined with modern design_

ELEANTHI, situated at the highest point of Pyrgos village in Messinian Mani, is but a fine example of a harmonious marriage between tradition and modern architecture, comfort and luxury expressed in its sheer simplicity. It is a tower-like stone building of 1830’s and an old part of a nearby monastery – serving as Metochi to the local monks. The structure was built in many stages, it kept expanding as inhabitant monks grew in population, eventually left abandoned and in ruins as it had suffered the relentless consequences of harsh weather and the passage of time. The Athanasiadis family of engineers envisioned the conversion of the historical building into a holiday home, establishing via simple means the conditions of a new residence inside an old historical “shell”. With attention to detail and respect towards the historical significance of the building, the special architectural features were revealed and preserved in order to breath new life into it. Stone lintels, indoor courtyards, arches at the ground floor and traditional stonework are the building blocks of traditional architecture which in combination with modern amenities, bring the building to the 21st century without altering the original construction and thus allow the visitor to “travel” to another era. The building, as an ‘archival’, almost archaic imprint, managed to survive despite its long course through time, bringing the memories of things handmade and invites the visitor to a special experience of fairly ascetic living, drawing its inspiration from the area itself, old and new at the same time, in a small stone settlement of southern Greece.

ELEANTHI house consists of three levels and can comfortably accommodate up to 12 people. Its outdoor areas, flooded with the scents of medicinal and aromatic plants of the Greek land (such as lavender, thyme, oleander, fescue, oregano, basil, daisies), create unique relaxation points overlooking the magnificent Messinian Gulf, the coastal and mountain villages and the ridge of Taygetos. It is the historical charm combined with modern design and the unique location of the house ELEANTHI which guarantees that here is where visitors will find their favourite vacation spot.

Pyrgos village resides on a hill at an altitude of 360m in Messinian Mani right above the settlement of Stoupa. It was named after the construction of the first tower -meaning “pyrgos” in greek in the area by the Manolitsi family, who most probably originated from Istanbul. The history of the village begins around 1565 AD. Located in a strategic position, during the years of Ottoman rule, it was the meeting point of the captains (clergy fighters) who lived in neighbouring villages. Its location makes it a natural observatory, also known as the “balcony of Mani”. The village offers a panoramic view of the Messinian Gulf, the coastal and mountain villages and the ridge of Taygetos. A special feature of the area are the several Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches which host unique masterpieces of Byzantine hagiography. The village is also known for its imposing stone houses with indoor courtyards and the typical architectural elements of the traditional era of Mani.

The natural beauty of the place, its history, tradition, the militancy and the bravery that characterised the Greeks in the difficult moments of the nation through the centuries, render this region a highly symbolic place. The visitor will be surprised by the versatility of the landscape. Steep rocks, wildflowers and herbs, olive groves, caves, gorges, picturesque beaches, islands, all in harmony with stone bridges and castles, harbours, cobbled streets of traditional settlements and scattered Byzantine churches.

Sitting at the southernmost tip of continental Europe, Mani peninsula in the Peloponnese is one of the wildest, inaccessible and historical regions in Greece.​ ​It is considered more than just a geographical area – it is wild, mysterious and untamed, almost a mythical place. It is a place full of sun, stones and olive groves, a place of revolution and rich history.​

Situated in one of the most inaccessible areas of the southern Peloponnese, on the foot of rugged Taygetus mountain, Maniats are direct descendants of the Dorians & Spartans, had the reputation of being vicious and ruthless warriors known for piracy and vendettas.​ ​They scratched a living from the dry, rocky, infertile earth, concentrating on the Koroneiki olives, which produce the best virgin olive oil in Greece, and herbs such as oregano, thyme and mint, about the only things to grow in this unforgiving ground.​ ​Piracy was considered legitimate, their compensation, so to speak, for the infertile land and lack of natural resources.

Maniats managed to resist Turk occupancy and retain self-rule, taking advantage of the mountainous and inaccessible terrain, while the rest of Greece was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire. In fact, the long struggle for Greece’s independence began from Mani region, the skilled and experienced Maniat warriors along with the more isolated location of Mani, made it the ideal place to begin the Greek Revolution.​ ​As Ottoman power declined, the mountains of Mani became a stronghold of the klephts, bandits who also fought against the Ottomans.​ ​Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani, was among the leaders of the Greek War of Independence as he proclaimed the revolution at Areopoli on March 17, 1821, a week before the rest of Greece would join in the revolution.​ ​Maniots contributed greatly to the struggle, but once Greek independence was won, they wanted to retain local autonomy. During the reign of Kapodistrias, they violently resisted outside interference, to the extent of Mavromichalis killing Kapodistrias.​ ​Throughout the course of history, Mani region has never lost its freedom, it is no wonder Mani is today synonymous with Revolution & Independence.