A luminous island with low-key luxury living, loved by movie stars.
Time stands still on this small Cycladic island, with its turquoise waters, tranquil beaches and hushed villages. At just 35km2, Antiparos is a small gem with a big heart, loved by movie stars from around the world and the perfect choice for low-key, luxury living.
Antiparos is an island of stunning luminosity, with its white houses, cobbled streets and colourful gardens bathed in an astonishing, bright sunlight. With no airport, the only way on and off the island is via the small boats weaving between the island and its larger neighbour, Paros. The mesmerising beauty of Antiparos lies in its landscape. Mature olive groves are dotted with luscious fig trees, their sweet, ripe fruits bursting at the seams come August. The scent of rosemary, orange blossoms and and jasmine waft perennially across the island, whilst clusters of cheerful pink bougainvillea are perfectly offset on the whitewashed walls of every traditional house.
An array of picture-perfect beaches blanket the coastline, ranging from golden sands to smooth white rocks, but all providing warm, crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. Windsurfers should head to Spot One Surf Club, who also offer SUP yoga, kayaking and paddle-boarding in the warm waters of Psaralyki Beach.
Chora, the main town, is filled with small boutiques, galleries, excellent restaurants and bustling cafes and bars, but always remains peaceful enough to not feel like a typical tourist destination. Such is the magnetism of Antiparos that Tom Hanks owns a summer house on the island, whilst Hollywood luminaries including Matthew McConaughey, Nia Vardalos and Whoopi Goldberg have been known to visit.
ondina occupies an elevated position above the aegean, where its architecture has been carefully arranged to follow the contours of the hillside while maintaining uninterrupted views towards the sea. composed of layered stone-clad volumes, planted terraces and pale rendered surfaces, the residence balances contemporary mediterranean design with a material palette drawn from the surrounding landscape. rather than standing apart from its setting, the villa has been designed to sit comfortably within it, using natural textures and stepped forms that respond directly to the terrain.
the approach reveals the property gradually through a sequence of terraces integrated into the hillside. the architecture combines openness and shelter, creating a strong connection to the landscape while maintaining privacy throughout the residence. stone walls, shaded walkways and carefully positioned outdoor spaces establish a sense of continuity between the built environment and the natural topography, allowing the sea to remain a constant presence without overwhelming the experience of the house itself.
the principal living level unfolds as a series of interconnected spaces where the boundaries between inside and outside are intentionally softened. full-height glazing extends across the seaward façade, allowing natural light to move through the interiors while drawing the horizon deep into the house. the architecture prioritises proportion, clarity and material simplicity, with restrained finishes and carefully considered volumes creating a calm atmosphere throughout. the orientation of the residence, combined with shaded terraces and protected outdoor areas, allows the living spaces to remain comfortable across the warmer months while maintaining a close relationship with the landscape beyond.
accommodation has been arranged to maximise privacy while ensuring that each room remains connected to the surrounding setting. the principal suite occupies a more secluded position within the house and benefits from direct access to its own outdoor space and open sea views. two further en-suite bedrooms continue the same architectural language, with generous openings and a seamless relationship between interior and exterior areas. an additional flexible room can adapt to different requirements, functioning as further accommodation or supplementary living space.
outdoor areas form a natural extension of the residence rather than a separate series of amenities. the terraces step gently with the hillside, creating a sequence of spaces that follow the contours of the land and maintain uninterrupted views across the coastline. the positioning of the villa enhances both privacy and airflow, while the landscaping reinforces the impression that the architecture emerges naturally from the terrain rather than being imposed upon it.
the design reflects a practical understanding of contemporary island living. deep overhangs, shaded circulation routes, natural stone surfaces and carefully considered orientation help moderate summer temperatures, while the stepped arrangement of the residence ensures both openness and protection from prevailing conditions.
as evening light settles across the coastline, the villa takes on a quieter presence within the hillside. the layered forms, natural materials and uninterrupted relationship with the sea remain central to the experience of the property, with the changing colours of the aegean providing a constant backdrop throughout the day.
